MINUTES OF THE HARNESS RACING AUSTRALIA MID SEASON GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE NEW SOUTH WALES HARNESS RACING CLUB ROSS STREET, GLEBE, NSW 9.30AM FRIDAY 5TH MARCH 2010 ROLL CALL: Harness Racing Australia: Accredited Representatives: Observers: Apologies: Chairman: Chief Executive: Legal Counsel: Harness Racing New South Wales New South Wales Harness Racing Club Harness Racing Queensland Albion Park Harness Racing Club Harness Racing South Australia South Australian Harness Racing Club Tasracing Pty Ltd Racing Services Tasmania Tasmanian Pacing Club Harness Racing Victoria HRV Management Racing & Wagering Western Australia Western Australian Trotting Association Harness Racing Australia Harness Racing New Zealand New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club Harness Racing Queensland Western Australian Trotting Association Harness Racing South Australia New South Wales Harness Racing Club Tasracing Pty Ltd Canberra Harness Racing Club Fremantle Harness Racing Club HRV Management Ltd Racing & Wagering Western Australia Fremantle Harness Racing Club Geoff Want Andrew Kelly Dean Cooper Graeme Campbell Sam Nati Ray Sharman Bob Lette Warwick Stansfield Grant Goodall Dr Richard Noble Trevor Leis Tony Murray Noel Salter Peter Bourke Neale Wheat John Anderson Ross Cooper John Burt Julie Davies Pat O Brien Edward Rennell David Rankin Shane Gloury Mike Godber Rob Bovell David Aldred Glenn Burns Gary Lottering Ray Redman Phil Hardy Gino Monaco Neil Busse Matthew Skipper Geoff Warwick It was moved to CONFIRM the Accredited Representatives. - 1 -
MINUTES: t was moved to RECEIVE and CONFIRM the Minutes and the Summary of Discussions & Outcomes and Action Points from the: Annual General Meeting 12 October 2009 HRA Executive Meeting 11 October 2009 HRA Executive Meeting 24 November 2009 HRA Executive 28 January 2010 HRA Executive 18 February 2010 Prohibited Substance Review Panel 11 December 2009 Prohibited Substance Review Panel 5 February 2010 Inter Dominion Event Committee 1 February 2010 CHAIRMAN S REPORT (A3): The Chairman s Report was tabled, distributed and verbally delivered. It was moved that the Chairman s Report be RECEIVED. TREASURER S REPORT (A4): Receipt of HRA Bank Reconciliation and Budget Statements (December 2009) It was moved to APPROVE the HRA Bank Reconciliations and Budget Statements of 31 December 2009. ITEMS FOR DECISION NATIONAL RULE CHANGES (A5) The Chairman referred this area to Dean Cooper as Chair of the Rules Committee. The Chief Executive advised in relation to the European Helmet that there is a difficulty or potential difficulty for stewards to view the helmet as being an approved helmet from afar. After the discussion at the Executive yesterday it was determined that anyone who wishes to have their European helmet approved in Australia will require some sort of identification or sticker which is actually visible to the outside of the helmet as well as the inside. The Legal Counsel spoke on the proposed change. It was moved to APPROVE the following recommendation & Rule change. Recommendation: 1. Approve the use of helmets certified to comply with EN 1384:1996 specifications for helmets for equestrian activities in harness racing and training activities as long as manufacturers can provide the following information: Documentary proof of the certification of the specific helmet to EN 1384:1996 by a known test agency; and, Written approval or alternate instructions for painting the helmet - 2 -
2. Approve the change of Rule 159A (1) to: 159A (1) A driver shall wear a helmet which has been approved and entered in the Register of Helmets approved by Harness Racing Australia. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: UPDATED HRA STRATEGIC PLAN (B1) The Chief Executive spoke on the plan provided at the meeting. It was moved to APPROVE the HRA Strategic Plan. NATIONAL MARKETING (B2) The Chief Executive and Chairman spoke on the report. The key discussion points: Use of Technology Broadcasting and magazine style programs Hot Shots Racing It was moved that the Reports be RECEIVED. WAGERING (B3) Productivity Commission Draft Report Gambling The CEO and Chairman spoke on the Report. It was moved that the Reports be RECEIVED. WHIP RULES (B4) The Chief Executive spoke on the review of the whip rules by the Rules Committee consisting of Dean Cooper, John Doherty and Craig Launder who will provide recommendations to the Executive. Submissions have been invited by 26 th March and anyone who would like to discuss their concerns face to face are invited to do so. A lot of people have advised that they are sending in submissions including face to face submissions. EQUINE INFLUENZA AND RELATED TOPICS (B5) The HRA Executive has approved a campaign aimed at raising awareness of this issue via every State and Federal local member in Club electorates across Australia. Formal ratification of this campaign is - 3 -
sought at this meeting today. Letters to be signed jointly by the Chairman of the local club where the track is and the Chairman of the State Controlling Body to give some real oomph to this campaign. These letters are being drafted and will be sent shortly. It was MOVED that HRA to finalise draft letters and States to undertake the campaign to elected representatives in their local areas. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE REVIEW PANEL (B6) The CEO spoke on the report on the meetings of the Review Panel and is pleased to say that HRA has received almost 20 submissions across a wide variety of stakeholders including hobby trainers all the way to State Laboratories as well as the breeding sectors. The Panel meet again in late March. GRAND CIRCUIT PAPER (B7) The CEO spoke on paper and report and due to the fact that while the Barastoc sponsorship is in place to put it on hold until the next mid season meeting where a paper and recommendations will be provided. INTER DOMINION EVENT COMMITTEE Ray Sharman spoke on the future of the Inter Dominion the process will be to present an options paper to Members, a period of discussion and feedback then to provide final recommendations to the Annual General Meeting for adoption. INTER DOMINION PRESENTATIONS (B8) Watpac ID10 (John Dumesny - NSWHRC) ID11 (Shane Gloury - NZMTC) ITEMS FOR INFORMATION: HARNESS RACING NEW ZEALAND PRESENTATION (Edward Rennell) (C1) SKY RACING PRESENTATION (Brendan Parnell & Stephen Robinson) (C2) - 4 -
GENERAL BUSINESS: Thank You Dean Cooper Heat Policy Dr Richard Noble Sulky Testing Peter Bourke Aminocaproic Acid Appeal Tony Murray NEXT MEETING: 2010 HRA Annual General Meeting Hobart October. MEETING CLOSED: The Chairman thanked all Members for their valuable contribution to a most successful day. Meeting closed at 1.15pm. CONFIRMED CHAIRMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE - 5 -