Animal welfare must remain at the heart of all racing codes in Queensland.
To ensure comprehensive care and trust throughout the lives of racing animals, the Queensland Government, in conjunction with RQ and QRIC, will pursue a set of initiatives designed to strengthen protection, improve retirement pathways, and enhance safety from track through to rehoming.
A nation-leading lifetime traceability framework will be developed, beginning with the greyhound code and progressing to equine codes. This critical system will incorporate a digital passport that tracks animals from naming through every stage to end of life. Implementing such a system is key to enabling better oversight, transparency and robust support for welfare obligations across all codes.
A new Greyhound Retirement Program will be introduced, supported by strategic adjustments to the bonus and incentive scheme. Through this program, owners of retired greyhounds will receive monthly vouchers for ongoing care costs. Participation in this initiative will be linked to the digital passport system, with welfare updates submitted via that tool. RQ will investigate transitioning the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) toward an independent charitable foundation, following successful interstate models, to ensure sustainable and high-quality rehoming outcomes.
The Queensland Government will implement or trial a comprehensive range of measures to ensure safer racing for animals and participants.
These essential safety provisions will see new or enhanced measures such as preferential box draws, accreditation of barrier attendants, mandatory stand-down periods after falls, judicious consideration of field sizes, enhanced scratching and stand-down rules, changes to time between starts, and new hydration policies. Trials on these measures will be reviewed and refined to ensure balance between safety, race integrity, and animal welfare.
Off-track welfare initiatives will be expanded. A metropolitan equine therapy program using retired racehorses will be considered, with alignment with a broader rehoming work.
The Queensland Off The Track (QOTT) program has been a resounding success. It will continue to be benchmarked against other states to continue improving the program into the future. Collaboration with Save A Horse Australia (SAHA) will continue, including support through the Off- The-Track program’s partnership to formalise a safety net and rehabilitation pathways for former racehorses. Trials will also be explored with Corrective Services, where retired greyhounds may serve as companion animals, contributing to community wellbeing and enhancing rehoming outcomes. This would complement programs currently in place in Queensland corrections facilities.
Other focus areas:
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Strong foundations
We’re committed to delivering modern and fit for purpose racing infrastructure across Queensland to improve the safety, functionality and livelihood of our race clubs.
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Country racing
Country racing is central to Queensland’s regional and rural communities, offering more than just a sporting spectacle.
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A new operating model
Queensland’s racing industry is part of the state’s identity, and must operate on a foundation that is transparent, accountable and financially stable.
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Integrity
Integrity must be the foundation of the Queensland racing industry. It underpins community confidence, protects animal welfare, and ensures a fair and transparent sport for all.
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Racing for the community
Racing has long been a source of connection and opportunity in Queensland.
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An Industry we can all be proud of
Queensland should aspire to be a racing powerhouse, with everyone to play their part to build a stronger, smarter, and more connected sector.
Last updated: 06 Dec 2025