Just two days prior to the second hearing of the inquiry into the proposed sale of Rosehill Racecourse, independent NSW MP Mark Latham called for the resignation of Racing NSW CEO Peter V'Landys during a private member's statement in the upper house on Wednesday, TTR AusNZ reported. V'landys is set to attend the hearing at New South Wales Parliament on Friday, as will other high profile attendees like trainer Chris Waller.
Latham's accusations were due to issues of “nepotism, regulatory abuse, and a lack of financial accountability” revealed during a parliamentary inquiry into the proposed development of Rosehill Racecourse. He also described the working environment at Racing NSW, as “a toxic workplace plagued by intimidation, favouritism, electronic surveillance, and constant decision-making and interference by the CEO.”
“Megalomania is a dreadful thing, and it's really ruining the NSW racing industry,” Latham stated. “For the sake of a sport I dearly love, I believe V'landys should resign and hand over to someone with the best interests of racing in mind, rather than the relentless pursuit of toxic power.”
“Evidence has been presented to the committee that the worst of this dictatorial behavior is V'landys' persistent interference in steward inquiries,” Latham said. “I'm shocked to learn that the CEO intervenes in active inquiries to benefit his favorite licensed individuals and punish those who are either powerless or refuse to toe the V'landys line.”
Latham's comments were answered by V'Landys and reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. The NSW CEO insisted that there was no evidence to support Latham's claims and accused breeders of leading the charge against him.
“There is no doubt Mr Latham is running an agenda for some very wealthy breeders who don't wish to be held to account for animal welfare,” V'landys said. “They have at all times resisted having their horses traced from birth to retirement. They are attempting a smear campaign on steroids.
“I challenge Mr. Latham to say all these things outside parliament and produce some evidence because there is none. Anyone can say anything in coward's castle. Because everything he is saying is completely and utterly rubbish.”
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