New HRNSW Board Announced
HRNSW MEDIA RELEASE
Minister for Racing, George Souris, today (Tuesday 31 January 2012) announced the appointment of new Members to Harness Racing NSW, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the industry.
Mr Souris said the highly-experienced Members will play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and sustainability of harness racing across the State.
"The appointment of the first independent Members to Harness Racing NSW represents a new era for the industry and sport," Mr Souris said.
"The appointees bring a blend of existing corporate knowledge and passion for harness racing, combined with a strong injection of business and regulatory experience."
The new Members and their terms are:
Rod Smith – four (4) years
Alex Smith AM – four (4) years
Graham Kelly – four (4) years
Chris Edwards – three (3) years
Graeme Campbell – two (2) years.
(Congratulations to former HBNSW Committee person Alex Smith AM and HBNSW Member Rod Smith on their appointments.)
"The new team is the first appointed under the independent model – recognised as best practice governance and management – to ensure Members represent the best interests of the whole industry," Mr Souris said.
"The appointments follow recommendations from an independent selection panel comprising Michael Foggo (Convenor), Brian Hancock and the Hon Michael Cleary AO and assisted by probity adviser Rory O’Connor from leading governance firm, O’Connor Marsden.
"I wish the new Members every success in carrying out their important duties when they take up their positions on February 3.
"I would like to thank the outgoing Harness Racing NSW Members Rex Horne, Rob Nalder and Les Bentley for their service to the harness racing industry."
Current Chairman Graeme Campbell was excited in staying on for a further two years.
"The outgoing board have implemented many changes that has harness racing finally going in the right direction, they have done a great job" said Campbell.
"I have the utmost confidence in the new board and I am looking forward to being part of a new era in harness racing."
HRNSW CEO Sam Nati said that the outgoing board had their final meeting today.
"I will be writing to the new Board Members to arrange an initial meeting for their first briefing and to vote for the Chairperson," he said.
"There is a wealth of experience across a broad spectrum and I am sure the industry can only benefit."
Members are appointed based on merit in accordance with the following prescribed skills criteria: experience in a senior administrative role or at a senior level in one or more of the fields of business, finance, law, marketing, technology, commerce, regulatory administration or regulatory enforcement.
A person is ineligible for appointment if they are an employee of a club or member of the governing body of a club and a maximum tenure of eight years applies.
Harness Racing NSW Members will elect a Chairperson at its first meeting. (Download the Media Release for more information).
> Click here to download the Official HRNSW Media Release
