An independent investigation into alleged race fixing and animal welfare issues in Tasmania’s harness racing industry has been given more time to complete its work.
The independent stewards panel was appointed in February to investigate allegations made in the Murrihy Review.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Secretary Jason Jacobi said on Friday that the investigation has been delayed.
“The independent panel’s processes and outputs need to withstand the highest levels of public and legal scrutiny. This process cannot be jeopardised by rushing to complete the investigation,” he said.
“The panel is undertaking a comprehensive process, actively gathering information from many sources and individuals.”
Jacobi said the panel has made eight visits to Tasmania since late February to look at local conditions, interview witnesses and conduct other investigations.
“They are diligently working through this to ensure a very thorough legal and robust process is undertaken and there is more work to be done.”
The panel has assessed the 15 races identified by Ray Murrihy for further scrutiny under the Australian Harness Rules of Racing and delivered an interim report, which concluded that there was insufficient evidence to take any further action on 14 of the 15 races.
Further assessment of three races, including one of the 15 and two identified by Murrihy as potentially non-compliant, are continuing.
“Given the work of the panel is an ongoing investigation it is not appropriate to make any further comment,” Jacobi said.
The next Murrihy Review Implementation Committee Report will be published on July 1.
