9Functions of Commissioner

9 Functions of Commissioner

(1)  The Commissioner has the following functions:

(a) to oversee integrity in racing and the welfare of animals that are or have been involved in racing;

(b) to monitor the administration and regulation of racing;

(c) to research and investigate integrity in racing, animal welfare and related matters;

(d) to advise the Minister on integrity in racing, animal welfare and related matters and make policy proposals for the development of racing;

(e) to advise the Minister on the Rules of Racing;

(f) to promote compliance with this Act and integrity in racing, and to promote animal welfare and prevent animal cruelty;

(g) to liaise with authorities and persons responsible for integrity in racing, animal welfare and related matters in this State and, as appropriate, elsewhere;

(h) to facilitate cooperation, in relation to animal welfare initiatives, between Tasracing, the department responsible for the administration of the Animal Welfare Act 1993 , the department responsible for the administration of the Biosecurity Act 2019 , and the RSPCA;

(i) to review annual integrity plans for Tasracing;

(j) to review proposals relating to new or amended Rules of Racing and give advice and make recommendations in relation to those rules;

(k) to make best practice Standards that provide for any matter relating or incidental to the conduct of racing (including but not limited to integrity in the racing industry and animal welfare) and to monitor, review, and give advice and make recommendations in relation to the implementation of, and compliance with, those Standards;

(l) to provide oversight over Tasracing’s administration and regulation of the racing industry, including Tasracing’s approval of registrations and granting of licences under the Rules of Racing, and its administration, registration and regulation of racing clubs;

(m) to provide oversight over Tasracing’s administration and registration of bookmakers and bookmakers’ agents;