BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 23 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Honourable Tim Mander

* The Crisafulli Government is delivering a new hybrid governance model for Queensland Racing. * Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission functions will be brought together under one entity. * Independent oversight of integrity and animal welfare will be strengthened through a new Chief Integrity Officer. * TheCrisafulli Government is delivering for the racing industry after 10 years of neglect under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for the future of Queensland racing, announcing a new streamlined hybrid governance model for Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.

The new model, which will see the amalgamation of functions for Racing Queensland and Queensland Racing Integrity Commission, is a key reform being delivered through The Next Lap: A plan for the future of Queensland racing.

It is designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness for the industry, as well as improve sustainability and public confidence.

Importantly, oversight of integrity and animal welfare matters will remain independent, with the establishment of the Chief Integrity Officer within Racing Queensland.

The Chief Integrity Officer will have equal standing to the Chief Executive Officer of Racing Queensland, and will report directly to the Racing Minister, the Racing Queensland Board and a new subcommittee on integrity and animal welfare matters.

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said the new governance model wasan important step forward for efficiency and public confidence.

"The racing industry is vital for Queensland, contributing more than $2.5 billion per year into our economy and responsible for around 14,000 jobs across the state and that's why we're delivering a plan for the future of the industry," Minister Mander said.

"It's imperative that we have a progressive and efficient governance model in place to continue to grow the industry for communities throughout Queensland, while ensuring animal welfare is at the heart of all decision-making.

"By amalgamating Racing Queensland and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and establishing a Chief Integrity Officer, we can maintain clear lines of accountability while reducing operational duplication.

"This will not only help to make the industry more efficient and effective, it will greatly increase sustainability, public confidence and confidence within the industry.

For more information onvisit: The Next Lap

ENDS

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