Review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act

The NSW Government has established a review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, led by an independent reviewer, the Hon Brad Hazzard. The review will determine whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW and support the industry’s development and sustainability. Mr Hazzard is supported in conducting the review by Hospitality and Racing, within the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport.

A group of horses racing in a competition

The NSW Government has appointed former NSW Minister for Health, the Hon Brad Hazzard, to independently lead a review of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996.

The review will determine whether the terms of the Act remain appropriate to ensure the integrity and proper regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW and support the industry’s development and sustainability.

The review will examine governance structures and processes established under the Act, along with mechanisms for stakeholder consultation and transparency.

It will also examine initiatives to ensure the sustainability and viability of the industry, including in relation to regional NSW.

The Act establishes Racing NSW as the controlling body for thoroughbred racing in this State, with functions that include:

the control, supervision and regulation of thoroughbred racing in NSW
the economic and strategic development of the NSW thoroughbred racing industry
development and implementation of policies that promote the strategic development and welfare of the NSW thoroughbred racing industry, while protecting public interest.

Mr Hazzard was a Parliamentarian of more than 30 years and a Minister across multiple portfolios, including serving as Attorney General of NSW.

He has extensive experience managing complex reforms and consultation, as well as delivering policy and legislative change in challenging contexts with diverse stakeholders and views. Mr Hazzard is the current Chair of CareFlight and member of the Australian Digital Health Agency board.

The review will include public and stakeholder consultation. Mr Hazzard is due to report back to the Government in 2026.

About the Review

The Terms of Reference set out the full scope of the review.

Consultation

Public consultation was open from Tuesday 30 September 2025 until Monday 8 December 2025 on the Have Your Say webpage.

Thank you to those who provided a submission or completed the survey. All feedback will be carefully considered and will help shape the review’s findings and any recommendations for legislative change.

Contact Information

For any general enquiries about the review, please contact: racingreviews@racing.nsw.gov.au