On 17 October, the Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Board considered a recommendation by an independent panel to take no further action against two Maryborough Harness Racing Club officials despite both admitting to knowingly furnishing false information to the Board.
The independent panel found that the action taken by HRV in 2016 to direct the Maryborough Harness Racing Club to contribute $50,000 towards governance training amounted to the matter being finalised and that no further action should be taken against any committee members or office bearers.
While the HRV Board believes that given the conduct uncovered and admissions of those involved, action should have been taken against Peter Egan, the club president and treasurer, and Les Chapman, the club secretary, the HRV Board accepts the panel’s view that further action should not be pursued.
The HRV Board share the independent panel’s serious concerns regarding the failure of the club to include nearly $1 million of undeclared funds in its official accounts, which were supplied to HRV and filed with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
The HRV Board has requested HRV management consider additional measures to strengthen governance arrangements for clubs.
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