{"id":"nsw:act-1985-024","name":"Motor Vehicle Sports (Public Safety) Act 1985","slug":"motor-vehicle-sports-public-safety-act-1985","collection":"act","jurisdiction":"nsw","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"24 of 1985","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":107545,"registerId":"nsw-act-1985-024-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary\n\nPart 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name of Act","content":"#### 1 Name of Act\n\n1 Name of Act\n\n> This Act may be cited as the [Motor Vehicle Sports (Public Safety) Act 1985](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1985-024).","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n2 Commencement\n\n> > (1) Sections 1 and 2 shall commence on the date of assent to this Act.\n> \n> > (2) Except as provided by subsections (1) and (3), this Act shall commence on such day as may be appointed by the Governor in respect thereof and as may be notified by proclamation published in the Gazette.\n> \n> > (3) Part 3 shall commence on such day, being a day that is not earlier than the day appointed and notified under section 2 (2) of the [Recreation Vehicles Act 1983](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1983-136), as may be appointed by the Governor in respect thereof and as may be notified by proclamation published in the Gazette.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Definitions","content":"#### 3 Definitions\n\n3 Definitions\n\n> In this Act, except in so far as the context or subject-matter otherwise indicates or requires—\n> \n> licence means a licence under this Act.\n> \n> motor vehicle means a motor vehicle within the meaning of the [Road Transport Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-018).\n> \n> motor vehicle racing means—\n> \n> > (a) a motor vehicle sport consisting of a competition in which speed is the determining factor, or\n> \n> > (b) a motor vehicle sport prescribed to be motor vehicle racing for the purposes of this definition.\n> \n> motor vehicle racing ground means any park, racecourse, oval, recreation reserve, sports ground or other land, whether enclosed or unenclosed, which is designed, constructed or adapted for motor vehicle racing, and includes any land or building used in connection therewith, but does not include a road or road related area within the meaning of section 4 (1) of the [Road Transport Act 2013](/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-018) (other than a road or road related area that is the subject of a declaration made under section 18 (1) (b) of that Act relating to all of the provisions of that Act).\n> \n> motor vehicle sport means any competition between the drivers or riders of motor vehicles in which the determining factor is the speed, manoeuvrability, reliability, durability or mechanical condition of the vehicles, the skill of the drivers or riders, or any combination of those things.\n> \n> regulations means regulations under this Act.\n> \n> Tribunal means the Civil and Administrative Tribunal.\n> \n> **s 3:** Am 1996 No 107, Sch 1.8 \\[1\\]; 1997 No 115, Sch 4.11 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 1998 No 48, Sch 2.13 \\[1\\]; 1999 No 19, Sch 2.25 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2005 No 11, Sch 3.23 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2013 No 19, Sch 4.51 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2013 No 95, Sch 2.102 \\[1\\].","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Licences for motor vehicle racing","content":"# Part 2 Licences for motor vehicle racing\n\nPart 2 Licences for motor vehicle racing","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Licences","content":"#### 4 Licences\n\n4 Licences\n\n> On application made by a person having a prescribed interest in any land capable of being used as a motor vehicle racing ground, the Minister may issue a licence to the applicant authorising the holding on that land of meetings for motor vehicle racing at which such types of motor vehicles as may be specified in the licence (or, where the licence so specifies, any type of motor vehicle) may compete.","sortOrder":5},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Terms of licences","content":"#### 5 Terms of licences\n\n5 Terms of licences\n\n> Subject to this Act, a licence shall remain in force from the date of its issue for such period, not exceeding 1 year, as may be specified in the licence and may from time to time be renewed for a period not exceeding 1 year.","sortOrder":6},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Conditions of licences","content":"#### 6 Conditions of licences\n\n6 Conditions of licences\n\n> A licence shall be subject to—\n> \n> > (a) such conditions as may be prescribed, and\n> \n> > (b) such other conditions, not inconsistent with this Act or the regulations, as may be specified by the Minister in the licence or notified under section 7.","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Cancellation or suspension, or variation of conditions of, licences","content":"#### 7 Cancellation or suspension, or variation of conditions of, licences\n\n7 Cancellation or suspension, or variation of conditions of, licences\n\n> > (1) The Minister may, for good cause—\n> > \n> > > (a) suspend a licence,\n> > \n> > > (b) vary, during the currency of a licence, the conditions to which the licence is subject, or\n> > \n> > > (c) cancel a licence.\n> \n> > (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a licence may be suspended or cancelled, or the conditions of a licence may be varied, if the Minister is satisfied that—\n> > \n> > > (a) proper and adequate precautions have not been taken or have ceased to be taken at the motor vehicle racing ground for the safety of the public or competitors or persons in proximity to the ground,\n> > \n> > > (b) the length, width, curvature, grade or surface of the track used for motor vehicle racing at the ground is such as to constitute a danger to the public or competitors or persons in proximity to the ground,\n> > \n> > > (c) the lands and buildings of which the motor vehicle racing ground consists are generally unsuitable for the holding of meetings for motor vehicle racing,\n> > \n> > > (d) the power, type, construction or number of motor vehicles competing or to compete at any meeting for motor vehicle racing held at the ground is such as would constitute a danger to the public or competitors or persons in proximity to the ground, or\n> > \n> > > (e) the accommodation for the public is situated too close to the track used for motor vehicle racing at the ground.\n> \n> > (3) The suspension or cancellation of a licence, or a variation of the conditions to which a licence is subject, takes effect when notified by the Minister to the licensee.\n> \n> > (4) Where any act, omission or circumstance constituting good cause for the exercise by the Minister of a power conferred by this section constitutes an offence under this Act or the regulations—\n> > \n> > > (a) the power may be exercised notwithstanding that a penalty has been incurred by a licensee or any other person for the offence, and\n> > \n> > > (b) a person may incur a penalty for the offence notwithstanding, where the person is a licensee, that the person’s licence has been cancelled or otherwise dealt with under this section.","sortOrder":8},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Unlawful race meetings","content":"#### 8 Unlawful race meetings\n\n8 Unlawful race meetings\n\n> > (1) A meeting for motor vehicle racing shall not be held except—\n> > \n> > > (a) on a motor vehicle racing ground in respect of which a licence is in force, and\n> > \n> > > (b) in accordance with the authority conferred by the licence and the conditions to which the licence is subject.\n> \n> > (2) A person holding, promoting or organising a meeting held in contravention of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty not exceeding 20 penalty units.\n> \n> > (3) Except as provided by subsection (4), a person taking part as a competitor at a meeting held in contravention of subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty not exceeding 4 penalty units.\n> \n> > (4) A person is not guilty of an offence under subsection (3) if the person satisfies the court that the person did not know, and could not reasonably be expected to have known, that the meeting concerned was held in contravention of subsection (1).\n> \n> **s 8:** Am 1992 No 112, Sch 1.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Administrative reviews by the Tribunal","content":"# Part 3 Administrative reviews by the Tribunal\n\nPart 3 Administrative reviews by the Tribunal\n\n**pt 3, hdg:** Rep 1996 No 107, Sch 1.8 \\[2\\]. Ins 1998 No 48, Sch 2.13 \\[2\\]. Am 2013 No 95, Sch 2.102 \\[2\\].\n\n**pt 3:** Rep 1996 No 107, Sch 1.8 \\[2\\]. Ins 1998 No 48, Sch 2.13 \\[2\\].","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Applications for administrative reviews by the Tribunal","content":"#### 9 Applications for administrative reviews by the Tribunal\n\n9 Applications for administrative reviews by the Tribunal\n\n> A person may apply to the Tribunal for an administrative review under the [Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997](/view/html/inforce/current/act-1997-076) of any of the following decisions—\n> \n> > (a) a decision of the Minister refusing to issue a licence or permit to the person,\n> \n> > (b) a decision of the Minister imposing conditions on the person’s licence or permit,\n> \n> > (c) a decision of the Minister cancelling, varying or suspending the person’s licence or permit.\n> \n> **s 9:** Rep 1996 No 107, Sch 1.8 \\[2\\]. Ins 1998 No 48, Sch 2.13 \\[2\\]. Am 2013 No 95, Sch 2.102 \\[3\\].","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":null,"content":"#### 10\n\n10–12 (Repealed)","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Miscellaneous","content":"# Part 4 Miscellaneous\n\nPart 4 Miscellaneous","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Delegation","content":"#### 13 Delegation\n\n13 Delegation\n\n> > (1) The Minister may, by instrument in writing, delegate to—\n> > \n> > > (a) a person for the time being holding any specified office or position in the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade,\n> > \n> > > (b) the Commissioner of Police for the time being, or\n> > \n> > > (c) a person for the time being holding any specified office or position in the police force and stationed at a place described in the instrument,\n> > \n> > the exercise of such of the functions of the Minister under this Act or the regulations as may be specified in the instrument.\n> \n> > (2) A function the exercise of which has been delegated under this section may, while the delegation remains unrevoked, be exercised from time to time by the delegate in accordance with the terms of the delegation.\n> \n> > (3) A delegation under this section may be made subject to such conditions or limitations as to the exercise of any function the subject thereof, or as to time or circumstances, as may be specified in the instrument of delegation.\n> \n> > (4) Notwithstanding any delegation under this section, the Minister may continue to exercise any function delegated.\n> \n> > (5) Any act or thing done or suffered by a delegate acting in the exercise of a delegation under this section has the same force and effect as if done or suffered by the Minister and shall be deemed to have been done or suffered by the Minister.\n> \n> > (6) The Minister may, by instrument in writing, revoke wholly or in part any delegation under this section.\n> \n> > (7) An instrument purporting to have been signed by a person in his or her capacity as a delegate of the Minister under this section shall in all courts and before all persons acting judicially be received in evidence as if it were an instrument duly executed by the Minister and shall, until the contrary is proved, be deemed to be an instrument signed by such a delegate.\n> \n> > (8) In this section—\n> > \n> > > (a) a reference to a function includes a reference to a power, authority and duty, and\n> > \n> > > (b) a reference to the exercise of a function includes, where the function is a duty, a reference to the performance of the duty.\n> \n> **s 13:** Am 2022 No 59, Sch 3.44.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Obstruction of police","content":"#### 14 Obstruction of police\n\n14 Obstruction of police\n\n> A person who hinders, obstructs or wilfully delays a member of the police force in the execution of his or her duty at or in connection with the holding of a meeting for any motor vehicle sport is guilty of an offence and liable to a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units.\n> \n> **s 14:** Am 1992 No 112, Sch 1.","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Proceedings for offences","content":"#### 15 Proceedings for offences\n\n15 Proceedings for offences\n\n> Proceedings for an offence against this Act or the regulations may be taken before the Local Court.\n> \n> **s 15:** Am 2007 No 94, Sch 4.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Advisory committees","content":"#### 16 Advisory committees\n\n16 Advisory committees\n\n> > (1) The Minister may from time to time establish one or more advisory committees to undertake the investigation of, and to inform and advise the Minister concerning, any matter relating to motor vehicle sports.\n> \n> > (2) An advisory committee established under this section shall consist of—\n> > \n> > > (a) such members, nominated in accordance with the regulations, of one or more prescribed organisations, being organisations having among their objects the promotion of a motor vehicle sport,\n> > \n> > > (b) such officers or temporary employees of the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and\n> > \n> > > (c) such other persons, if any,\n> > \n> > as the Minister may appoint.\n> \n> > (3) A member of an advisory committee established under this section shall be entitled to be paid such remuneration (including travelling and subsistence allowances), if any, as the Minister may from time to time determine in respect of that member.\n> \n> **s 16:** Am 2022 No 59, Sch 3.44.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Regulations","content":"#### 17 Regulations\n\n17 Regulations\n\n> > (1) The Governor may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act, for or with respect to any matter that by this Act is required or permitted to be prescribed or that is necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Act and, in particular, for or with respect to—\n> > \n> > > (a) the form and manner of applying for and granting licences,\n> > \n> > > (b) the fees for licences and renewals thereof,\n> > \n> > > (c) the transfer of licences,\n> > \n> > > (d) the keeping of records in respect of licences, the inspection of any such records and the fees payable for any such inspection,\n> > \n> > > (e) the form and manner of giving any notification for the purposes of this Act or the regulations,\n> > \n> > > (f) the notification of any change of interest of a licensee in a licensed motor vehicle racing ground,\n> > \n> > > (g) requirements in respect of track construction, safety fences and devices, fire precautions, amenities and other matters in connection with motor vehicle racing grounds,\n> > \n> > > (h) the inspection of motor vehicle racing grounds,\n> > \n> > > (i) the conduct of meetings for motor vehicle sports, wherever held, and\n> > \n> > > (j) the membership (including provision for the filling of vacancies in the offices of members and provision for alternate members), procedure, duties and functions of any advisory committee established under this Act.\n> \n> > (2) A regulation may impose a penalty not exceeding 5 penalty units for any breach thereof.\n> \n> > (3) A provision of a regulation may—\n> > \n> > > (a) apply generally or be limited in its application by reference to specified exceptions or factors,\n> > \n> > > (b) apply differently according to different factors of a specified kind, or\n> > \n> > > (c) authorise any matter or thing to be from time to time determined, applied or regulated by any specified person or body,\n> > \n> > or may do any combination of those things.\n> \n> **s 17:** Am 1992 No 112, Sch 1; 1996 No 107, Sch 1.8 \\[3\\] \\[4\\].","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Repeal and savings","content":"#### 18 Repeal and savings\n\n18 Repeal and savings\n\n> > (1) In this section, appointed day means the day appointed and notified under section 2 (2).\n> \n> > (2) The [Speedway Racing (Public Safety) Act 1957](/view/pdf/asmade/act-1957-69) is repealed.\n> \n> > (3) Subsection (2) does not affect any provision of the [Metropolitan Traffic Act 1900](/view/pdf/asmade/act-1900-8) or the [Motor Traffic Act 1909](/view/html/repealed/current/act-1909-005) in force immediately before the appointed day.\n> \n> > (4) A licence under the Act repealed by subsection (2) for a speedway within the meaning of that Act, being a licence which, immediately before the appointed day, had not expired or been cancelled, shall be deemed to be a licence for a motor vehicle racing ground and shall, subject to this Act, continue in force subject to the conditions to which the licence was subject immediately before that day.\n> \n> > (5) A licence referred to in subsection (4) which, immediately before the appointed day, was under suspension shall, subject to this Act, continue to be suspended for the duration of the period of suspension imposed and shall be deemed to have been suspended under this Act.","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Other savings and transitional provisions","content":"#### 19 Other savings and transitional provisions\n\n19 Other savings and transitional provisions\n\n> Schedule 1 has effect.\n> \n> **s 19:** Ins 1996 No 107, Sch 1.8 \\[5\\].","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 1","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Savings and transitional provisions","content":"# Schedule 1 Savings and transitional provisions\n\nSchedule 1 Savings and transitional provisions\n\n(Section 19)\n\n**sch 1:** Ins 1996 No 107, Sch 1.8 \\[5\\]. Am 1997 No 115, Sch 4.11 \\[3\\].","sortOrder":22}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act replaced the earlier Speedway Racing (Public Safety) Act 1957 and broadened the statutory framework to regulate 'motor vehicle sports' and 'motor vehicle racing' more generally, rather than only speedway racing. Existing speedway licences were preserved and deemed to be licences under this Act (s 18(2)–(5)). The Act’s definitions (s 3) expand the regulated activities to competitions defined by speed, manoeuvrability, durability, mechanical condition or driver skill, and the regulation-making powers and transitional savings (s 17; Sch 1) provide mechanisms to extend or refine scope by regulation."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-references to other statutes for definitions and review procedures (Road Transport Act 2013; Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997) (s 3, s 9).","Broad ministerial discretion to grant, condition, vary, suspend or cancel licences for 'good cause' with illustrative safety grounds (s 7).","Extensive delegation power allowing departmental officers and police to exercise delegated functions (s 13), increasing administrative routes for decision-making.","Heavy reliance on subordinate regulations to set technical standards, fees, records, inspections and penalties (s 17), shifting substantive detail out of the Act.","Criminal enforcement path with multiple specified offences and penalty units for organisers, competitors and obstructing police (s 8, s 14), requiring court processes (s 15).","Short licence terms (maximum one year) and annual renewal requirement, increasing recurring administrative interactions (s 5).","Repeal and savings provisions that transition existing speedway licences into the new framework (s 18(2)–(5); Sch 1), adding transitional complexity.","Advisory committee composition and remuneration provisions involving nominated industry organisations and departmental officers (s 16), which create formal consultative mechanisms."],"plain_english_summary":"Mechanically, this Act sets up a licensing and regulatory framework for organised motor vehicle sports and motor vehicle racing held on land (\"motor vehicle racing grounds\"). It: \n\n- Authorises the Minister to issue licences to people with a prescribed interest in land to hold meetings for motor vehicle racing, and to specify the types of vehicles permitted (s 4). \n- Limits licences to terms of up to one year with annual renewal possible (s 5). \n- Makes licences subject to prescribed conditions and any additional conditions the Minister specifies (s 6). \n- Gives the Minister a broad power to suspend, vary or cancel licences \"for good cause,\" with a non-exhaustive list of safety-related grounds (including inadequate precautions, dangerous track dimensions, unsuitable buildings, vehicle characteristics that create danger, or public accommodation too close to the track) (s 7). Notifications of these decisions take effect on notice to the licensee (s 7(3)). \n- Prohibits holding motor vehicle racing meetings except on grounds with a valid licence and in accordance with that licence; creates offences and monetary penalties for organisers, promoters and (in most cases) competitors who participate in unlawful meetings (s 8). \n- Enables administrative review of Ministerial licensing decisions by the Civil and Administrative Tribunal under the Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997 (s 9). \n- Allows the Minister to delegate functions in writing to specified department officers or police officers, and preserves the Minister’s ability to continue to exercise delegated functions (s 13). \n- Creates a specific offence for obstructing police in the execution of duties at motor vehicle sport meetings (s 14), and provides that prosecutions may be brought in the Local Court (s 15). \n- Permits the Minister to establish advisory committees with members nominated from prescribed motor sport organisations, departmental officers and others; members may be paid remuneration (s 16). \n- Gives the Governor (via regulation) broad power to make rules covering licence applications, fees, transfers, records, track construction and safety requirements, inspections, conduct of meetings, advisory committee arrangements, and to impose small penalties for breaches of regulations (s 17). \n- Repeals the earlier Speedway Racing (Public Safety) Act 1957 while preserving existing speedway licences by deeming them to be licences under this Act and maintaining suspensions in force (s 18(2)–(5)); further transitional savings are provided by Schedule 1 and by regulation (s 19; Sch 1). \n\nThe Act presents its regulatory scheme in terms of public safety. Where the Minister may act for \"good cause,\" the Act explicitly lists safety-related circumstances that can justify suspension, variation or cancellation of licences (s 7). The implementation mechanics rely on: delegated regulatory detail (standards for tracks, fences, fire precautions and inspections are to be set by regulation) (s 17(g)–(h)); ministerial discretion to grant and condition licences (s 4–7); and enforcement through criminal penalties and Local Court proceedings (s 8, s 14, s 15). \n\nWho pays and who decides (key implementation incentives and costs): \n- Applicants/licensees bear the administrative and compliance costs: licences are limited to one year and must be renewed (s 5), may be subject to prescribed conditions and additional conditions imposed by the Minister (s 6), and must meet any regulatory standards set under the Governor’s regulation power (s 17). Licence fees and renewal fees are to be set by regulation (s 17(b)). \n- The Minister (and delegates) hold decision-making power over issuing, conditioning, varying, suspending and cancelling licences (s 4, s 6, s 7, s 13). Delegation may be made to departmental office holders and to police (s 13). \n- The State enforces compliance through penalties for unlawful meetings (organisers and promoters: up to 20 penalty units; competitors: up to 4 penalty units, with a defence where the competitor could not reasonably be expected to know the meeting was unlawful) (s 8); obstruction of police carries a penalty up to 5 penalty units (s 14). Regulations can impose penalties up to 5 penalty units for contraventions of regulations (s 17(2)). Prosecutions are brought in the Local Court (s 15). \n\nCompliance burden, discretion and administrative risks: \n- Much of the technical detail (track safety standards, inspections, forms, fees and transfers) is left to subordinate regulations (s 17). That concentrates the technical compliance burden on licensees but leaves the content and timing of those obligations to the executive/regulatory process (s 17(g)–(h)). \n- The Minister’s power to act \"for good cause\" is broadly framed and exemplified by safety concerns; this grants significant administrative discretion over licence status and conditions (s 7). Delegation provisions permit that discretion to be exercised by named departmental officers and police (s 13). \n- Licence terms are short (maximum one year) and renewable, which creates recurring administrative and renewal compliance for licence-holders (s 5). \n- The Act saves existing speedway licences by deeming them to be licences under this Act, preserving their conditions and any suspensions in force (s 18(4)–(5)). Transitional provisions and regulation-making power allow retrospective savings or transitional rules in some circumstances, subject to protections that avoid prejudicing private rights before publication (Sch 1; Sch 1(3)). \n\nEffects on private choice and market behaviour: \n- The requirement of a licence to hold meetings (s 8(1)) and the ability of the Minister to set or vary conditions (s 6–7) mean that organisers and property owners seeking to host events must obtain and maintain administrative authorisation and meet safety/regulatory standards. This raises the fixed and ongoing costs of operating motor vehicle racing events compared with an absence of licensing. \n- Advisory committees are to include members nominated by prescribed organisations that promote motor vehicle sport (s 16(2)(a)), creating a formal channel for industry input into advice given to the Minister. The Act also provides for appointment of departmental officers and other persons to advisory committees (s 16(2)(b)–(c)). \n\nTrade-offs, opportunity costs and implementation notes: \n- The Act delegates technical standard-setting to regulations (s 17). That reduces legislative detail but places the practical burden of compliance design and enforcement on the executive. \n- Broad ministerial authority to impose, vary or cancel licence conditions for \"good cause,\" coupled with short licence terms, increases administrative control and monitoring frequency (s 5, s 7). \n- Enforcement is criminal (penalties and Local Court proceedings) rather than civil licensing penalties only (s 8, s 14, s 15), which affects the sanctioning route and may influence how disputes are resolved. \n- Existing speedway licences and suspensions were preserved when the Act repealed the 1957 Speedway Act, so ongoing operations that held licences prior to this Act continued under the new scheme unless changed by the Minister or regulation (s 18(2)–(5)).\n\nSections cited: s 3 (definitions); s 4–9 (licensing, conditions, review); s 13–17 (delegation, offences, procedures, advisory committees, regulations); s 18–19 and Schedule 1 (repeal, savings and transitional provisions)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains focused on its original purpose: licensing and safety regulation of motor vehicle racing events. While it has been amended multiple times (particularly to update tribunal references and modernise cross-references to other Acts), the core scope of regulating race meetings through a licensing system with public safety conditions has not expanded beyond the original intent. The 1985 Act replaced the 1957 Speedway Racing Act and broadened coverage from speedways to all motor vehicle sports, but this was the original design rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Moderate cross-referencing to other Acts (Road Transport Act 2013, Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997, Recreation Vehicles Act 1983)","Nested definitions with exclusions (motor vehicle racing ground excludes roads unless specifically declared)","Multiple amendment history notes throughout (indicating evolutionary complexity over time)","Standard delegation provisions with 8 subsections including evidentiary presumptions","Savings and transitional provisions in Schedule 1 with retrospective operation safeguards","Conditional offence provisions with knowledge exceptions (section 8(4))","Repealed and re-inserted Part 3 creating administrative review pathway"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does:**\n\nThis Act regulates motor vehicle racing events (like speedway, drag racing, and similar motorsport competitions) to keep the public safe. It creates a licensing system where anyone wanting to hold a race meeting on private land must get government approval first.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n\n- **Landowners and event promoters** – they need a licence to hold race meetings\n- **Drivers and competitors** – they can be fined for racing at unlicensed events (unless they genuinely didn't know the event was illegal)\n- **The general public** – protected through safety requirements for tracks, fences, and spectator areas\n- **Police** – given powers to enforce the law at racing events\n\n**Key rules:**\n\n- You need a **licence** from the Minister to hold motor vehicle racing on designated grounds (parks, ovals, speedways, etc.)\n- Licences last up to one year and can be renewed\n- The Minister can cancel or suspend licences if safety is compromised – for example, if the track is dangerous, crowds are too close to the action, or proper safety fences aren't in place\n- Racing on public roads is excluded (that's covered by road laws instead)\n- **Penalties apply** for running illegal race meetings (up to 20 penalty units for organisers, 4 for competitors)\n- **Right of appeal** – if your licence application is refused or cancelled, you can challenge the decision through the Civil and Administrative Tribunal\n\n**Why it matters:**\n\nBefore this law, speedway racing was regulated under old 1950s legislation. This Act modernised the rules, expanded coverage beyond just speedways to all motor vehicle sports, and created clearer safety standards and enforcement powers. It strikes a balance between letting motorsport happen and making sure spectators and competitors don't get hurt."},"summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Act has been amended at least five times between 1999 and 2023, strongly suggesting its scope has evolved from the original 1985 version. Without access to the full text of each version, the precise nature of those changes cannot be confirmed. However, the pattern of regular amendment over nearly four decades typically reflects updates to regulatory frameworks, safety standards, or administrative arrangements that go beyond the original intent of a 1985 law."},"complexity_factors":["Only metadata and administrative information was provided — the actual operative provisions of the Act were not included, making detailed analysis impossible","The Act has been amended multiple times since 1985 (at least 5 distinct versions), meaning the current obligations may differ significantly from the original law","Regulation of sporting events can involve overlapping responsibilities between state agencies (sport, roads, local councils, emergency services)","The law is administered under a Ministerial order that may itself be subject to change, adding a layer of administrative complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"## Motor Vehicle Sports (Public Safety) Act 1985 (NSW)\n\n**What is this law about?**\nThis is a New South Wales law from 1985 that regulates motor vehicle sports — things like car racing, rallies, and other motorsport events — with a focus on keeping the **public safe** at and around these events.\n\n**Who does it affect?**\n- **Event organisers** running motor vehicle sporting events in NSW\n- **Spectators** attending motorsport events\n- **Participants** (drivers, riders) in motor vehicle sports\n- **Venue operators** where these events are held\n\n**Why does it matter?**\nWithout this law, anyone could theoretically organise a high-speed motorsport event with little regard for public safety. This Act gives the government (through the Minister for Sport) the power to set and enforce safety standards for motor vehicle sporting events — helping prevent accidents and injuries to spectators and the general public.\n\n**Important note:** The actual detailed text of the Act's provisions was not included in the material provided — only metadata (version history, responsible minister, and administrative information) was available. Based on the title and administrative context, the law sits under the **Minister for Sport's** portfolio and has been updated several times since 1985, most recently in **January 2023**.\n\n**Bottom line:** If you organise, participate in, or attend motorsport events in NSW, this law sets the safety rules you must follow. Check with the NSW government or a legal professional for the specific requirements that apply to your situation."},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/motor-vehicle-sports-public-safety-act-1985","history":"/api/acts/motor-vehicle-sports-public-safety-act-1985/history","analysis":"/api/acts/motor-vehicle-sports-public-safety-act-1985/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/motor-vehicle-sports-public-safety-act-1985/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/motor-vehicle-sports-public-safety-act-1985/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/motor-vehicle-sports-public-safety-act-1985/documents"}}