NSW Government Welcomes High Court Race Fields Judgement
Minister for Racing, George Souris, today welcomed the High Court's judgement in the constitutional challenge to the NSW Race Field legislation.
“The High Court's decision confirms the validity of those laws and represents a significant contribution to the future viability of the racing industry.
“The decision underpins the principle in the legislation that all wagering operators that use race fields information as a wagering platform should pay an appropriate fee to the NSW racing industry for the use of those race fields.
“The Liberals and Nationals have supported this principle from the outset.
“Now that the High Court has resolved this issue it will become the legislative national template to ensure that the racing industry receives its fair share of fees from wagering operators who use racing industry product.
“The stakeholders involved in this area should take this opportunity to engage in mutually productive discussions to ensure an economically sustainable future.
“The NSW racing industry is a significant employer providing approximately 50,000 full and part-time employment opportunities across the State, and an economic contribution of $1 billion annually to the State's economy.
“I would like to congratulate Racing NSW Chairman, John Messara, Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys, his staff and current and past board members who have carried the case for almost a decade.
“The racing industry and the general community will be the beneficiary of the leadership shown by New South Wales.