XXXXXXXX
XXXX
P O Box XX
XXX XXX
Dear XXXXX,
We write to you in response to requests made by your representative Mr. Paul McConnel.
In a recent discussion on Thursday Feb 16th 2017, Mr. McConnel indicated that the Parklands Compensation Package of $10.5M (now $12M with interest) has been included in the current Grant/Loan scheme of $53M. Mr. McConnel put the onus of proof that these moneys are solely for Greyhounds within 14 days.
This recent scheme offered by Racing Queensland is available, on application, to all three codes. Dr. Forbes, you stated at the last RQ AGM, that these applications will be decided by the RQ board, with no other consultation. Recommendations will then be presented to the current Racing Minister for final approval.
In response to this request, and the lack of integrity shown by Racing Queensland to the Greyhound Code, we present the following documents.
We look forward to receiving your reply to this document within 7 days.
Regards
XXXXXXXXX
Contents
Previous pageLetter to XXXXXX
Page 2.Contents
Page 3.History of bias
Page 4.Questions for discussion
Page 5.Racing Queensland’s contribution to the Greyhound Code
Racing Minister’s
Page 6.Documentation reference listing/overview
History of Bias
The QGBOTA attempts to prove that the culture of Racing Queensland has been negative towards the Harness and Greyhound codes of the racing industry.
This type of behavior prompted an inquiry, published in Feb 2014, and we intend to prove that this culture still exists despite attempts to make real changes.
Dr. E Forbes, RQ CEO, stated at the RQ AGM, “I have taken office and it’s a new start”. The Greyhound Code is yet to see any type of new direction.
When questioned about problems with the QRIC administration functions, Racing Queensland’s Dale Cartwright said, “QRIC is outside our control”.
Mr. Paul McConnel, Racing Queensland Operations and Infrastructure referred to past commitments of $100M, and the current $53M included the Parklands compensation package of $10M (which is now $12M with interest) as part of those moneys up for grabs by all codes. It was up to the Greyhound code to prove otherwise.
The Parklands compensation package was prior to the $100M package. They are not related other than by balance sheet’s under Dr. Forbes tenure.
Documents show a culture of bias to the Greyhound Industry Participants with
- Lack of commitment to future projects.
- Time Delay Tactic’s by engaging continuous expensive external consultants.
- No consultation with any Industry Participants.
- The Greyhound Advisory Panel’s, charter states the following quote.
The panel has been established to assist in the development of strategies that will grow wagering and improve branding and exposure opportunities for the greyhound code in Queensland.
This has nothing to do with participant problem solving, Administration difficulties with QRIC, Basic Infrastructure, or any benefit to the participants. Their only concern is to increase public betting for the sole purpose of increasing revenue to Racing Queensland.
- Media releases to the public announcing grand plans that are never followed through.
- 27 June 2014, Statements by Hon Steve Dickson refers to spending for country and regional racing. To date moneys have never been given to Greyhound Regional other than emergency repairs to avoid breach of U-bet contracts.
Serious Questions that need answers
1. Why did Mr. Paul McConnel need proof of information from outside of Racing Queensland? Why not ask Mr. Dale Cartwright the head of Greyhounds?
2. How is diverting previously allocated funds away from Greyhounds any commitment to growing the Greyhound code?
3. If the current standard of Greyhound facilities are acceptable to Racing Queensland, how is the industry expected to increase its wagering return, as per the Greyhound Advisory Panel’s charter?
4. The Racing Act 2002 clarifies that all codes are for the benefit of the industry. When was it acceptable to discriminate and introduce “Major” and “Minor” codes?
5. How does Racing Queensland intend to regain the “Trust” and “Loyalty” from Greyhound Participants, when it has only proven exclusion, innuendo, and now theft of funds from the newly appointed Dr. E Forbes?
6. Racing Queensland has received installments, 2 x 25%, received on 1/7/2014 and 1/7/2016, totaling $75M. Other than minimal emergency repairs to ensure race commitments, where has any of these funds been allocated to Greyhounds.
What does Racing Queensland do for Greyhound participants?
- It has no effect or control over Licensing, Ownership, or Naming. This is done through QRIC or Greyhounds Australasia.
- RQ does receive nominations, and through rules and due process, release the event box draws. To influence these outcomes in anyway is illegal.
- Since its inception Racing Queensland has had no positive effect on the Greyhound Industry. The 2014 commission proves this point.
- Continual staff positions created with no contact or benefit
- Club Liaison, Contact was made on his appointment. No other correspondence or contact has returned. What is his role, and whom is he liaising with?
What does the Racing Minister do for Greyhound participants?
As highlighted in a letter dated 31/1/2011 from Mr. Nick Williams, Senior Policy Advisor who quotes:
- RQL was established on 1 July 2010 to provide improved decision making for the racing industry as a whole, and the Queensland Government has no role in the day-to-day management or decision making of the industry.
Page 1
Documentation Referencing/Overview
Date / Ref / Source / Page Nr / Paragraph / Point of interest24/07/2008 / D.1 / State Gov. Documentation / Confirmation that the $10M is for Greyhounds and cost workings for construction of Cronulla Park.
01/08/2008 / D.8 / Bias by force / August Journal / Page 2 / Greyhounds were paying rent to the state government of $130,000 per year. Nothing was free. No negotiations just forced acquisition.
30/10/2010 / C / Denial / Letter from Kerry Watson to Mr B Bentley / Concerns to CANCEL the Logan Project
20/07/2011 / D.3 / Lack of Integrity / State Gov. / Hon Tim Mulherin assumes $10M access to RQ without consultation
26/03/2013 / D.6 / Bias Culture / Statement from M Reynolds / Page 3 / Ref 9(b)(iv) / Mr Bentley's Management style to be heavy handed and this his style was to "dictate" his will to the clubs
26/03/2013 / D.6 / Lack of Integrity / Statement from M Reynolds / Page 4 / Ref 12 / It became clear that neither of these promises would be kept by Mr Bentley and Racing Queensland; The executive officers of Racing Queensland had not acted with integrity, or in the best interests of the racing industry.
26/03/2013 / D.6 / State Gov. has no role in the Industry / Letter from Nick Williams, Senior Policy Advisor 31/1/2011 / Page 19 / Para 2 / RQL was established on 1 July 2010 to provide improved decision making for the racing industry as a whole, and the Queensland Government has no role in the day-to-day management or decision making of the industry.
24/07/2013 / C.1 / Denial / Stat Dec fro K Watson / Page 2 / Para 7 / Unacceptable treatment of Greyhound and Harness Staff to create bias
07/02/2014 / D / Denial / QR Commission of Inquiry / 1.1.3 / Thoroughbred control body alienates other codes
07/02/2014 / D / Promise / QR Commission of Inquiry / 3.2.2 / Infrastructure Tracks named
07/02/2014 / D / Promise / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.47 / Para 3 / Logan Greyhound, further assurances on the proposed Logan complex
07/02/2014 / D / Promise / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.54 / Confirmation that Greyhound code will not lose its 50% share of Albion
07/02/2014 / D / Promise / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.55 / Para 3 / Proceed with two tracks at Logan
07/02/2014 / D / Denial / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.58 / Mr Hanmer could not give a "cast-iron Guarantee"
07/02/2014 / D / Denial / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.61 / Mention of Minor codes. Racing Act 2002 does not specify Major or Minor codes. All codes are equal for the benefit of the Industry.
07/02/2014 / D / Litigation / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.63 / Misrepresented so badly topics became subject to litigation.
07/02/2014 / D / Denial / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.65 / Deceit to gain Ms Watson's signature, with no plans to build Logan
07/02/2014 / D / Denial / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.66 / 6 / Ipswich/Logan under investigation
07/02/2014 / D / Denial / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.68 / 24/9/2010 Mr Bentley abandons Logan Project
07/02/2014 / D / Lack of Integrity / QR Commission of Inquiry / 5.3.88 / Mr Bentley did not act with integrity towards Greyhounds
16/03/2014 / B / Promise / Brisbane Times / Page 1 / Hon Steve Dickson quoted saying "putting racing money back into the industry to ensure it has a strong foundation on which to grow"
16/03/2014 / D.2 / Promise / Courier Mail / Newman approves Logan with Council agreement
21/03/2014 / A / Promise / Queensland Times / Page 1 / Para 3 + / The Hon Steve Dickson announced Logan construction in May as a replacement of Gold Coast's Parklands Track
27/06/2014 / D.7 / Bias Culture / Hon Steve Dickson / Para 5 / and $5M over five years for country and regional racing. - This has proven only to be given to Thoroughbred.
27/06/2014 / B.2 / Overview / ASX Announcement / The wagering licence expires at 30 June 2098. Instalments have been received. However no funds to Greyhounds
30/06/2014 / B.1 / Promise / Kevin Dixon / Para 8 / What I say is there will be an increase in returns to participants; there will be improved industry infrastructure; and there will be money allocated to make Queensland's racing product more compelling than it has even been before.
01/01/2015 / A.2 / Overview / The Tourism News / A great overview, including thoroughbred swabs with no negative publicity
07/04/2016 / D.4 / Ethics / Government / Minister gives job to "Mate" with no benefit to Industry
02/02/2017 / A.1 / Lack of Integrity / Courier Mail / RQ announces funding $24.4+$24.4+$12+$53M. The Greyhound money is now up for grabs. If none of the Greyhound submissions are accepted, the greyhound money is now given to the other codes.
07/02/2017 / D.5 / Delay / Dr. Forbes RQ / Another expensive external review.
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