2006

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Racing (Jockeys Accident Insurance) Amendment Bill 2006

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Circulated by authority of the
Treasurer
Mr Ted Quinlan MLA

Racing (Jockeys Accident Insurance) Amendment Bill 2006

Outline
The Racing (Jockeys Accident Insurance) Amendment Bill 2006 provides an essential mechanism by which jockeys, apprentices and approved riders (jockeys) who engage in racing, track work or barrier trials (riding activities) in the ACT may be insured against the consequences of injury in the performance of their profession.

Jockeys who engage in riding activities in the ACT have been outside the provisions of the Workers Compensation Act 1951 since 2001/02. The private accident insurance cover previously provided by GIO Insurance ceased on 30 June 2005.

All jockeys who engage in riding activities in NSW or the ACT are obliged to be licensed by Racing NSW. This Bill is required to give legislative effect to a decision by the Board of Racing NSW under which that organisation has agreed to extend accident insurance cover it currently provides to jockeys engaging in riding activities at NSW tracks, to NSW licensed jockeys engaged in riding activities in the ACT. 

A temporary private insurance arrangement was implemented to protect jockeys engaging in riding activities in the ACT, and to ensure the continuation of horse racing in the ACT from the Spring racing carnival through to the Black Opal Autumn racing carnival, pending the outcome of negotiations with Racing NSW. This interim arrangement expires on 31 March 2006.

Clause Notes

Clause 1 – Name of Act – states the title of the Act, which is the Racing (Jockeys Accident Insurance) Amendment Act 2006.

Clause 2 – Commencement – states that the Act commences on the day after its notification day. 

Clause 3 – Legislation Amended – provides that the Act amends the Racing Act 1999.

Clause 4 – New Part 5A – provides that the Act inserts a new Part 5A into the Racing Act 1999.

Part 5A Jockeys Accident Insurance

Clause 61A – definitions Part 5A – provides necessary definitions.

Clause 61B – Accidents Insurance Arrangements – provides the necessary legislative mechanism sought by Racing NSW to extend its accidents compensation scheme to cover NSW licensed jockeys undertaking riding activities in the ACT.  

Clause 61C – notices relating to accident insurance arrangements – provides that the Minister must prepare a notice to both declare the status of Racing NSW as a specialised insurer under its controlling legislation in NSW, and to advise if there is any change to the status of Racing NSW under its controlling legislation in NSW.  A notice is a notifiable instrument.