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4 July 2008
QRL BOARD JULY MEETING MEDIA RELEASE
QRL position on EI Class Action
The Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) Board today confirmed the control body’s position in relation to the prospect of it initiating or joining an Equine Influenza (EI) Class Action.
QRL Chairman Mr Bob Bentley confirmed that QRL would not be a party to, or initiate, any Class Action against the Federal Government in relation to the outbreak of EI following the release of the Callinan Inquiry report.
“Given the Federal Government’s significant contribution of more than $342M to both New South Wales and Queensland in response to the disease, QRL will not join or pursue any litigation against the Federal Government at this stage,” Mr Bentley said.
“Our position on an EI Class Action stems from the Federal Government’s considerable contribution to the industry and from the Rudd Government’s confirmation that it will not levy the horse industry to repay its share of the costs of eradicating EI.”
QRL supports Licensee Assistance Association
The Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) Board today approved an annual contribution of $50,000 to the Licensee Assistance Association.
QRL Chairman Mr Bob Bentley said it was important to financially support the Licensee Assistance Association which in turn supports Queensland licensees in times of need.
“One of the main issues faced by the Association is its lack of capacity to raise sufficient funds to make a material difference for distressed licensees,” Mr Bentley said.
“QRL will make the annual $50,000 contribution in order to assist with the Association’s main concern.”
Mr Bentley said in addition to this contribution, QRL Director, Mr Bill Andrews, will join the Association as a member with a view to assist with the role of the Association within the industry.
The first contribution to the Licensee Assistance Association would be made in the 2008/09 financial year.
The Licensee Assistance Association was established to assist distressed current and former licensees and receives most of its funding through raceday raffles, luncheons, sponsors and donations.
History of racing in Queensland
Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) Chairman Mr Bob Bentley today announced planning would begin to officially record the history of racing in Queensland.
“We see it as our job to ensure that valuable past and future pieces of history in this state are not lost,” Mr Bentley said.
“The history of racing in Queensland has never been documented in its entirety although there are notable publications about various industry characters, events and club history available.
“We anticipate the history would be recorded both in a hard back publication and electronically, incorporating race footage.”
Mr Bentley said work on the project would commence as soon as possible to start the necessary research.
He added that the Board had approved an allowance of $250,000 for the 2008/09 year for the project.
For further media information please contact QRL Senior Communications Officer Claire Power on (07) 3869 9760.
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