RWWA Integrity Department Changes
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its business and developed strategies to support a positive and sustainable future for its racing and wagering operations.
In line with this process, a review of RWWA’s integrity department has also been conducted to ensure efficiencies and use of emerging technologies are maximised to further assist in the modern delivery of its integrity services.
RWWA’s review of its integrity operations have included services provided both on and off the track, with the focus being on meeting increasing levels of expectations and complexity.
RWWA heavily invests in its integrity department, and has already implemented enhanced vision systems, such as Hawkeye, and centralised investigations and bet monitoring which has improved race day operations of the Stewards.
Potential further synergies have been identified by amalgamating the existing thoroughbred and harness Stewards panels. This merger will enable a greater level of cross-coding and development of multi-skilled integrity personnel.
Within the proposed revised structure the position of Chief Steward Thoroughbreds will be amended to Chief Steward Equine and will be responsible for overseeing the race day Stewards operations of both harness and thoroughbreds. The Chief Steward Equine will be supported by two Deputy Chief Stewards Equine and additional senior stewards.
A position of Manager Equine Inquiries and Licensing, reporting directly to the General Manager Racing Integrity, has also been created, which will be responsible for non-race day integrity functions for both harness and thoroughbreds.
RWWA’s animal welfare function will also be brought under the integrity department to ensure its strategies are supported by the regulatory controls, with a strong focus on developing more comprehensive traceability and regulation of racing animals during all stages of their lives.
Additional resources are also being recruited to support the Chief Steward Equine in transitioning to the new model.