|
15 October 2008
Committee cancel licence
Following a show cause hearing by the Queensland Racing Limited (QRL) licensing committee on October 7, Townsville trainer Terry Butts yesterday received notice that his trainer’s licence had been cancelled.
The hearing considered a number of false statements and claims made by Mr Butts and his admitted failure to verify any of the claims with QRL before publishing them.
Licensing committee chair, Mr Peter Smith, said “Under QRL’s licensing scheme policy, all licensees must continue to meet suitability requirements.”
“A licensee may be asked to show cause why action should not be taken on the grounds that they are not a fit and proper person to be licensed.
“The policy states that the propriety of the person is assessed on the basis of general behaviour and conduct. It is not limited to behaviour in the thoroughbred racing industry.
“It considers whether any improper conduct is likely to impact on both the person’s reputation and more broadly on the reputation of other licensees and the thoroughbred racing industry.”
A Show Cause Notice was issued to Mr Butts on August 28 following false claims and statements he made in an article in the North Queensland Register (page 3, August 28).
The committee noted that the claims were false and that Mr Butts had not sought to verify any of the matters with QRL. The committee noted that Mr Butts would have known the claims were potentially damaging and had he verified them with QRL, he would have found them to be false.
In its decision the committee also noted that:
Issues of integrity of licensed participants are an important factor in protecting the interests of stakeholders, including those who make a significant financial investment in the industry by way of sponsorship and ownership.
For further information please contact Licensing committee chair, Mr Peter Smith, on (07) 3869 9777.
ENDS.
|
