QTOA Chairman's Report - June 2025

Dear Members,

In recent weeks, the Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association (QTOA) has been actively engaged in key advocacy matters on behalf of our members, with a particular focus on the WorkCover levy applied to prize money and the broader Racing Review currently underway in Queensland.

WorkCover Levy on Prize Money

We have held a series of discussions with Racing Queensland and other relevant stakeholders regarding the growing concerns around the WorkCover levy being applied to owners’ prize money. This, together with the various levies applied for equine welfare are simply prizemoney reductions by another name.

Racing Queensland had approached the QTOA about extending the 1% WorkCover levy on prize money for a further two years, however we have pushed back on the basis we believe the matter needs further discussion amongst stakeholders to find a long-term solution. 

We recognise and acknowledge that there are inherent dangers in our sport and that all workers should be protected from and insured against debilitating injury.The impact of increased premiums places a significant burden on the business of training, however the solution to this includes better education in the workplace, more scrutiny of claims for legitimacy and all round better work practice. This is a cost of doing business and ought to be treated as such. 

This matter needs further discussion to find a solution that is more palatable for all stakeholders into the future rather than a long-term continuation of the one percent levy on prize money. Perhaps it is worth re-visiting a requirement that appropriate insurance is mandatory for holding and retaining a training licence in Queensland.

Following on from our discussions, Racing Queensland has acknowledged our position and has agreed to reduce the proposal to extend the levy from two years to one year during which time stakeholders will all work together to find a resolution.

Owners are already the largest financial contributors to the industry, and it is our strong view that this levy represents an unfair and inappropriate cost burden.

Encouragingly, Racing Queensland has presented some facts on improvements which have been made in the area to reduce claims and better educate stables and staff on the matter.

There is significant ongoing work to be done to achieve optimal success in this area and we will work with the regulatory authorities to ensure an outcome in the best interests of the industry.

Queensland Racing Review

The Queensland Racing Review presents a vital opportunity to influence the long-term direction of our industry and the QTOA has been pleased to have been involved in further discussions with relevant stakeholders.

Following on from our recent meeting with Racing Review Thoroughbred lead Kim Daily where we had a detailed discussion about our submission, the QTOA also met with Racing Review Chair Matt McGrath in recent weeks to further reinforce our position and key recommendations.

At this week’s Thoroughbred Alliance meeting, owners, trainers and breeders were provided with an update by Kym on the timelines for the review.

Interim recommendations are in the process of being put forward to the State Government and the final submission is likely to be presented in September.

We are hopeful that the recommendations that have come from all stakeholders will lead to an improved and more sustainable industry for all.

Given the significant positive economic impact racing has on the Queensland economy we are strong in our view that the funding of racing should not be considered in isolation, continued flight to southern states by Queensland racehorse owners has the potential for job losses in our industry. 

Our submission focused on the need for increased positive marketing of the industry as part of an overall tourism strategy leading into the Olympics, we also emphasized on the rising costs of ownership and the need for prizemoney levels to be not only sustained but increased.

As this review process unfolds, the QTOA will continue to represent the interests of Queensland owners and ensure our voice is heard at every level of decision-making.

We will keep members informed of developments on both the WorkCover levy issue and the Racing Review, and welcome your feedback as these processes continue.

AGM 

The QTOA this week held our AGM where the Annual Financial Statement and Audit Report for the financial year ending 31 July 2024 was adopted.

It has been a productive period for the QTOA as we have maintained our focus on sustainability, relevance and advocacy over the past 12 months.

We thank our financial members and commercial partners for their ongoing support as we continue to strive to grow the voice for Queensland owners.