Two former Australian government officials recently have taken jobs in the gambling industry. Barry O’Farrell, former premier of New South Wales, will become chief executive at Racing Australia, the nation’s main horseracing industry group. And Stephen Conroy, former Victorian Labor senator, will lead Responsible Wagering Australia, a new gambling industry lobbying group.
O’Farrell will assume his position in late January at Racing Australia, which regulates the Australian racing industry and also provides fields, form guides and race results for publishers nationwide.
O’Farrell produced the O’Farrell Report, an investigation by the federal government into online betting which recommended was most recently known for his inquiry for the federal government into online betting, producing the O’Farrell report, which recommended cracking down on illegal international operators. Racing Australia Chairman John Messara said, “The government has been greatly aided by Barry O’Farrell’s report. We thank Mr. O’Farrell for the depth of his understanding of the complex and important issues at stake and his commitment to provide solutions to problems previously regarded as intractable.”
Others questioned O’Farrell’s lack of racing industry experience.,” Australian Trainers’ Association Chief Executive Andrew Nicholl said, “From the industry perspective it’s an interesting, and possibly confusing, appointment. We have no idea about what skills he’s going to bring to the table and what his background is in terms of racing, but from the ATA’s perspective we welcome him and will work with him for the betterment of the industry.”
In a statement, Racing Australia said, “Mr. O’Farrell has a strong background in public administration and financial management. He served with distinction in the NSW Parliament for 20 years, including as NSW premier between 2011 and 2014. Over that time Mr. O’Farrell managed complex policy, legal and financial issues with a diverse range of stakeholders. He is an innovative and experienced leader who will bring his demonstrable skills to the organization.”
O’Farrell will replace Peter McGauran, who has been paid an annual salary of $260,000.
In September, Conroy, a former communications minister, left politics after 20 years, during which time he oversaw regulations relating to online gambling. Responsible Wagering Australia, the new gambling lobbying group he will head, is backed by bookmakers CrownBet, Sportsbet, Betfair, Unibet and Bet365. It replaces the Australian Wagering Council, which was disbanded this year after the federal government rejected its proposal to not ban online in-play betting.
Conroy stated, “I’m looking forward to working closely and cooperatively with the Australian government on their consumer protection agenda. We share their objectives and we are determined to engage constructively to make it work.”
Former Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck will serve as the group’s inaugural chairman.
