Form to introduce a new, or amend a, Racing Queensland Rule
Organisation submitting proposal / Queensland Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Assoc.Date / 7 Feb 2018
Current GA Rule Number (if applicable) / Not Applicable
Current GA Rule Content (if applicable) / Not Applicable
Current Local Rule (if applicable) / Queensland LR 24(4) Trainer/Class 3
Current Local Rule Content (if applicable) / Trainer /Class 3 – permitting the holder to train a greyhound owned by the holder or by an immediate member of the holder’s family residing with the holder.
For the purpose of this category “owned” includes part owned and Racing Queensland may, under any conditions it determines, dispense with the residency provision.
Proposed wording of the new or amended rule / Trainer/Class 3 Probationary
Why is this new or amended rule required? / The current issue of licences is dependent on the ability of a) Racing Queensland to be in a position to deliver the training requirement and b) the availability of qualified QRIC staff to complete the initial kennel inspection. Both a & b are currently required to satisfy the current rule and has recorded time delays of 4-6 months for completion.
What is the objective of this new or emended rule? / The new rule enables the trainer to train greyhounds under a probationary time frame, allowing the flexibility of both Racing Queensland and QRIC to complete their requirements.
This probationary licence will only be effective for 12 months, and cannot be renewed or duplicated unless granted special authorisation by Racing Queensland or QRIC, under extenuating circumstances. Once both the Training and Inspection requirements have been successfully satisfied the Probationary licence will be cancelled on the immediate issue of the full Trainer/Class 3 Licence
What other regulatory or non regulatory options to achieve this objective, have been considered? / It is still a prerequisite that the probationary trainer must hold an attendance/handlers licence for no less than 6 months, which includes an initial physical assessment to display a competency in the handling of Greyhounds. The trainer is then under assessment by Racing officials 1) when the dog is presented for identification, 2) as the dog is weighed, and 3) physically examined by the on course Veterinary professional before each, and every, racing event.
Describe why this new or amended rule is a better option for change than any all other options. / This would allow the flexibility of both Racing Queensland and QRIC to complete their obligations, without impacting on the trainer to put his racing dogs onto the track.
What consultation been considered and/or undertaken in preparation of this proposal? / The discussions and examples of current situations delaying the issue of full licences to participants. A delay of 4-6 months on a racing dog’s career can be harmful and irreversible. Being mindful that from an 18 month to a 24 month old dog, covers a young to mature dog. A full racing career is, on average 1-3 years.
What, if any, monitoring or review mechanism and timeframe is required to ensure this proposal is satisfactory implemented? / The review and monitoring mechanism to ensure the satisfactory implementation of this proposal, is the urgency to attract and recruit new Greyhound Trainers to the industry.
Is this proposed new or amended rule enforceable? / This is enforceable as Racing Queensland are the control body responsible for the maintenance and implantation of the Greyhound Local Rules, which supersede the Greyhound Australasia National rules.
What current or additional compliance resources are required to ensure satisfactory implementation? / Future growth and industry sustainability statistics provided by, a) the future applicants requiring training accreditation from Racing Queensland, b) the requirement of QRIC to book future initial kennel inspections, and c) the immediate issue of the Trainer/Class 3 Probationary licence.
Submitted by / Christine Goodwin on behalf of the QGBOTA