First level appeals

First Level Appeals - What's New?

From 1 July 2003, First Level Appeal Committees will determine appeals from any decision of a steward of Racing Queensland to impose:

A suspension for a period of no more than 3 months; or
A penalty of not less than $100 but not more than $2,000.

Any right of appeal to a first level appeal committee must be exhausted before an appeal to the Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal (QCAT) can be commenced.

If you have received a suspension for a period greater than 3 months and/or a penalty greater than $2000, your right of appeal is directly to the Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal - for more information see the Tribunal's website: www.qcat.qld.gov.au.

Commencing a First Level Appeal

Any person wishing to appeal to a first level appeal Committee must lodge a notice of Appeal no later then 4:30pm on the 2nd business day from the date to which the Steward made the decision to suspend your licence and/ or impose a penalty.

An appeal fee of $600.00 (Thoroughbreds) $400.00 (Harness) and $200 (Greyhounds) must accompany the notice of appeal, which is refundable in specified circumstances.

Rule change as of 1 June 2010.

Fast appeal process

First level appeals are to be determined within 7 days of the date on which the Notice of Appeal is lodged.

How First Level Appeal Committees are constituted

All first level appeal committees will consist of 3 persons:

A lawyer with at least 5 years standing;
A person who possesses a thorough knowledge of the rules of racing; and
A person who is either a lawyer of at least 5 years standing or a person who possesses a thorough knowledge of the rules of racing.

Members of first level appeal committees are not permitted to preside over matters in which they have a conflict of interest.