Media release – Kristie Johnston MP, independent Member for Clark, 26 July 2023
The Office of Racing Integrity has again demonstrated its inability to appropriately handle complaints after its latest breach of privacy.
On 13 July, an industry insider who disclosed some serious allegations about the treatment of a number of thoroughbred horses contacted my office. Given the nature of these allegations, I immediately forwarded these concerns to the Office of Racing Integrity and requested they further investigate this matter.
Yesterday I received a voicemail message from the person named in the allegations seeking to meet with me and discuss the details contained within the correspondence sent by my office.
It is abundantly clear that the Office of Racing Integrity have disclosed the content of the complaint, but also identified me as the complainant to the person involved.
This is entirely inappropriate and demonstrates a gross mishandling of proper process.
It is no surprise that whistleblowers are so reluctant to lodge complaints with the Office of Racing Integrity when they are mishandled, even those from a Member of Parliament.
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