NT Racing Review Faces Scrutiny Over Tabcorp Ties

With the revelation that the consultancy AP2 Advisory, tasked with conducting a government-funded review into the Northern Territory racing industry, also represents Tabcorp, which is Australia’s largest gambling firm, concern has been raised. The $110,000 ministerial contract awarded to the Department of Tourism and Hospitality in December suddenly draws doubts regarding alleged conflict of interest.

This review was commissioned for the purpose of taking a view into the future of the racing industry in the Northern Territory: to provide it with some degree of sustainability and to maximize its economic and social contributions. According to Racing Minister Marie-Clare Boothby, the review “will guarantee a big stretching future for the industry and its continued offering of economic benefits and lifestyle opportunities for the region.”

However, this connection of AP2 Advisory to Tabcorp raises doubts about the independence with which the review will be conducted. AP2 Advisory’s principals, Paul Bittar and Bronte Campbell, are both engaged by Tabcorp, although AP2 Advisory principal Josh Blanksby, who is leading the review, clarified that he is not personally connected to Tabcorp.

Blanksby explained that the review would cover all aspects of the NT racing industry’s funding, looking at ways to improve financial sustainability and growth. He emphasized that the review is being conducted solely for AP2 Advisory and that he is not representing Tabcorp in any capacity.

Changes in the Northern Territory regulatory landscape may have highly far-reaching consequences on Tabcorp’s operations due to a conflict of interest in the racing industry. The involvement of specific individuals with an exclusive association with Tabcorp raises serious doubts about whether the review could be sufficiently impartial.

Blanksby, however, rejected claims that there would be any bias in the review process. In case there were two-sided views of the credibility of Tabcorp influencing the final recommendations, he thought that his being independent would cover some of those bases, saying he is doing the review solely for AP2 Advisory.

The Northern Territory racing industry provides jobs and supports tourism, especially in hinterlands, thereby contributing to the economy of the subcontinent. The way this review influences funding and regulation of the industry continues to be a source of concern for many in the territory. Many welcome long-term growth support recommendations; however, the involvement in the review of a company such as Tabcorp would ensure that its recommendations face the light of scrutiny.

Minister Boothby has expressed confidence that the review will be thorough and transparent, highlighting that it will focus on all factors that affect the NT racing industry. She reassured stakeholders that the government is committed to making decisions that will benefit the entire sector and support its continued development.

Still, the connection between AP2 Advisory and Tabcorp has led some to question the transparency of the process. As an illustration, the critics would contest as to whether the review will favor a compromise of interests toward the larger gambling houses, thereby casing aside the smaller, local interests that also rely on the same.

Like many races across Australia, NT racing has witnessed great change in recent years. As gambling legislation and industry regulation continue to change, this review could well set the precedent for the other states currently grappling with these issues. Animal welfare issues, a redistribution of racing profits, and the effects of gambling laws will all be some of the issues that this review is likely to look into.

Over the next few months, shareholders in the NT racing industry, together with the public, will look eagerly to what shall be disclosed by the review report. There are beliefs the report shall proceed to be unbiased and will put a balanced premise that will not overlook either sides of the interests of multibillion-dollar gambling companies and smaller towns or communities, which also depend on the racing sector.

For now, the review process is under close observation, with the public and industry figures alike questioning how much influence Tabcorp’s ties to AP2 Advisory might have on the final recommendations. Only time will tell whether the review will be seen as a fair and transparent assessment of the NT racing industry’s future or if it will be seen as compromised by its connections to a major player in the gambling world.