Harness Racing Australia (HRA) is seeking Expressions of Interests from appropriate candidates who wish to be considered as its next Independent Chair.
With the incumbent Chair reaching his six-year term limit in July, HRA is planning to identify an Independent Chair who can provide strong, impartial leadership and guide the organisation through a crucial phase of its development.
About the role
The Independent Chair will lead the HRA Council and Executive, ensuring the highest standards of governance, integrity, and performance.
This is a critical leadership role responsible for:
- Providing strategic direction and leadership;
- Ensuring effective governance and decision-making;
- Fostering collaboration across State Controlling Bodies and the Member Clubs;
- Supporting and overseeing the Chief Executive; and
- Representing HRA at a national and international level.
The Chair must act at all times in the best interests of HRA as a national body.
About you
You are an experienced Chair or senior Non-Executive Director with a strong track record in governance and stakeholder leadership.
You will bring:
- Strong governance expertise, aligned with principles of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and be well versed on harness racing;
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex organisations and manage strategic change across multiple stakeholders and jurisdictions;
- High levels of integrity, independence and sound judgement; and
- Strategic capability with commercial, legal, regulatory or financial acumen.
Experience in sport, racing, or regulated industries is highly regarded.
Key Requirements
- Independence from operational roles within the harness racing industry;
- Ability to manage conflicts of interest and act impartially;
- Capacity to operate at a national level across multiple jurisdictions; and
- Commitment to contemporary governance standards
Term
The Independent Chair is appointed in accordance with the HRA Rules of Association and elected at the Annual General Meeting.
The role is typically for a three-year term, with a maximum tenure of six years.
An honorarium is provided as part of the role.
The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, including:
- Council and Executive Meetings;
- Race meetings;
- Strategic planning sessions; and
- Stakeholder engagement and representation duties.
Why join HRA?
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Lead a national sporting organisation at a pivotal time;
- Shape the future direction of harness racing in Australia; and
- Drive improved governance, collaboration and industry outcomes.
HRA Independent Chair Recommendation Panel
A three-person Independent Chair Recommendation Panel, comprised of representatives from the HRA Council, will:
- Assess candidates against an agreed criteria;
- Conduct structured interviews;
- Perform referee checks; and
- Conduct a conflict-of-interest assessment.
The preferred candidate will be nominated for election to the HRA Members at the Annual General Meeting on 17 July 2026 but does not preclude other candidates from nominating to the ballot.
How to apply
Expressions of interest should be submitted to HRA Chief Executive Richard Goodbody via executive@hra.com.au.
Applications should include a brief cover letter and CV outlining relevant experience.
For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact HRA.
Applications close by 5pm (AEST) on Monday, 25 May 2026.
