The Sunshine State’s racing industry is in the throes of a bitter shock as world-renowned integrity leader Kim Kelly sensationally quits his post on the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.
On Friday morning, Racenet exclusively reported that Kelly had resigned as deputy commissioner of the QRIC, saying “this is not what I signed up for”, citing concerns that the body would lose its independence under the new operating structure.
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Queensland Racing Minister Tim Mander, who returned to his post after being cleared of election fraud by the Australian Federal Police, now has a new racing headache on his hands.
Mander trumpeted the recommendations of the independent Queensland Racing Review, but one of those recommendations leading to the creation of a new hybrid model of racing management is exactly what led Kelly to leave the industry.
Among the recommendations contained in The Next Lap report, commissioned by the government, was the transfer of several core QRIC functions to Racing Queensland at a corporate level.
The Queensland industry overwhelmingly believes Kelly’s departure is a major blow.
QRIC surveys show that during the tenures of Kelly and QRIC Commissioner Catherine Clarke, the organization has gained increased trust from stakeholders and members.
Upon learning of Kelly’s resignation, Brisbane Racing Club chairman Richard Morrison responded: “This is a huge loss for the Queensland industry and he will be missed.
“Kim Kelly is one of the world’s most respected authorities on racing integrity.
“Kim’s background and depth of experience make him a very difficult person to replace.
“He recently chaired the ethics committee at the Asian Racing Conference, which speaks volumes about the respect with which he is held internationally.
“His value to Queensland can probably best be judged by the fact that during his time there was less controversy surrounding QRIC itself than at any other time in its existence, at least in the thoroughbred world where we operate.”
Former Australian Turf Club chairman Matt McGrath chaired the Queensland Racing Review before being appointed chairman of Racing Queensland.
The review found the separation of RQ and QRIC to be a concern and determined that the current model was an inefficient use of funding.
On Friday afternoon a spokesman for Mander said: “We thank Mr Kelly for his service to the Queensland racing industry.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in the racing industry.
“The independent Racing Review has made recommendations to streamline management at Queensland Racing to improve decision-making and reduce duplication of operations following a huge backlog of feedback.”
RQ Acting CEO Lachlan Murray said: “On behalf of Racing Queensland, I would like to acknowledge and thank Kim Kelly for his tireless service and dedication to the Queensland racing industry over the past two and a half years.
“During this time he has led and implemented significant reform across the industry and we wish him all the best for the future.”