MY CALL - THE QCAT CHALLENGE, KNOWLEDGABLE APPOINTEES NEEDED TO ENSURE JUSTICE PREVAILS
By David Fowler | Tuesday, January 8, 2013
David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.
The LNP government has instigated a review of QCAT and its processes.
Since its inception in 2009, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal has been the bane of the racing industry.
It’s fair to say it has been kinder to the participants rather than the law makers in its rulings. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted it often hasn't served the industry well because of the lack of knowledge of those hearing appeals.
A racing dispute is a racing dispute.
Lack of knowledge or no knowledge can be dangerous as some of the appeal transcripts have clearly demonstrated.
I personally read the transcript of one case in harness racing that was a total travesty of justice but, in this case, the licensee was the luckiest person alive and justice directed by stewards was clearly denied.
QCAT will still play a role as the next step if one fails in their appeal with the independent Integrity Board.
That's why it is vital the industry make their feelings known that QCAT must appoint or employ racing knowledgeable people to ensure justice is carried out correctly.
Visit the consultation paper on www.justice.qld.gov.au. Applications close on February 22.
**********************************************************************************************
The Patinack Farm saga is a tawdry one that many believe will end in tears … if there hasn't been plenty shed already.
Gerry Harvey is very much in the news this week with all things Magic Millions but he hasn't been backward in lending support and declaring support for Tinker.
John Singleton is another and so too, curiously, is the Daily Telegraph Racing Editor Ray Thomas.
They're entitled to their opinions.
So are the small businesses still owed by Tinkler which we read about frequently.
I think the average Aussie has formed their opinion.
**********************************************************************************************
This is a difficult one but it has to be said.
Why can't some television co-ordinators just "shut up" and do their job.
Organisations like Sky Channel and TVN employ personalities to offer opinions and discuss issues … that's why they are called "personalities"
Racecallers are employed to call races and tipsters are employed to tip. I, for example, do both. No more and no less.
So you get the drift. Co-ordinators are payed to co-ordinate. Not to offer opinion, discuss issues or tip. At least they don't try to call the race.
Go into any betting outlet and listen to the punters scream when they've done their hard earned and have to put up with a talkative co-ordinator.
It's not a hard problem to remedy. Just tell them to do their job they've been assigned or they'll be taken off the air.
Everyone wants to be an expert.
**********************************************************************************************
This is my last blog until February 5.
Don't forget to check out my thoughts on the Magic Millions card in Saturday's Form Factor on www.horseracingonly.com.au.
More articles
|