Streamlined Jockeys' Licences
The Australian Racing Board and the Australian Jockeys Association announce the progress of a working party established to streamline the licensing of jockeys who ride in more than one State or Territory.
At the Australian Racing Board’s meeting held on 18th March, 2010 the Board considered a proposal from the Australian Jockeys' Association concerning the creation of a national licence for jockeys.
It was agreed at this meeting that while moving to a single national licence will involve a number of legal and systems issues being addressed, the PRAs would work to streamline licensing processes for jockeys riding interstate and to reduce associated application fees to a level matching the cost of administrative processing.
To this end a working party was established consisting of Keith Bulloch, (RNSW) as Chairman, Frank De Rango (RVL), Peter Smith (QR), Gary Rudge (RNSW).
Phase 1 – 2010/11 Licence Renewals
Having considered a recommendation from the working party the PRAs of every State and Territory have agreed to adopt a uniform process effective immediately for 2010/11 jockey and apprentice jockey licence renewals, namely:
- Waiving all licence fees for visiting riders
- Accepting home-State medical assessment
- Simplifying renewal application forms to carry similar Q&As and aiming at standardising licence conditions
The specifics of these new arrangements are as follows:
- Rider first renews licence in home State including payment fees and satisfying medical assessment requirements
- If riding in another State, a rider is required to complete renewal application form
- Each other State will waive any licence fee and will not require a separate medical assessment
- Each State retains the right to approve/refuse each application
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the review will aim at further streamlining for the 2011/12 licence year. The objective here, if it can be achieved, will be to minimise or eliminate multi-state jockey licence forms. The working party has identified that legal input will be required here, including an examination of the responsibilities of PRAs under statute and the Rules of Racing to approve or refuse a licence application and to set rules and conditions of licence.
The working party has also held preliminary discussions with RISA on the IT requirements for a truly national system as it relates to the jockeys licence.
Further Reports The working party will continue to convene and make further reports to the ARB on the National Jockey Licence proposal.
"This is another step forward towards a more efficient national industry. I take this opportunity to congratulate Keith Bulloch and his colleagues for their excellent work in producing reforms that are capable of being put in place for 2010/11, and for mapping a course for future progress." – Bob Bentley, Chairman Australian Racing Board.
"We are very pleased with this outcome because for many of the AJA's members riding in several States is the norm, whether it is the big name jockeys riding interstate at metropolitan carnivals or other riders who live close to the border between two States. Not only will this process will be much more efficient and less costly for riders, but this move represents another significant step forward in achieving efficient and effective national arrangements." – Paul Innes, CEO Australian Jockeys Association.
Further Inquires:
Andrew Harding
Chief Executive
Australian Racing Board
0417 043 233
Paul Innes
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Jockeys Association
0412 707 674
[19/05/2010]
