Ms O'CONNOR question to MINISTER for RACING, Ms OGILVIE
We have been made aware of an owner who says that after making a complaint to ORI's Director of Racing, former Liberal staffer Justin Helmich, about the welfare of a horse purchased from the Yole stables, they received threatening phone calls from an unknown person warning them to stop. How could this happen unless someone inside ORI was sharing information with Ben Yole or someone who works with him?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I thank the member for Clark for her very important question. It is really important that when these issues arise they are reported. The Leader of the Greens has raised an issue today that is of great concern.
Ms O'Connor - It was a complaint to ORI.
Ms OGILVIE - I say again today - and let me reiterate and be very clear - that I am really proud today of taking the strong and decisive action of launching an independent investigation. It is important that we provide a level of assurance across our organisations, across the racing sector, across everything that we do in probity, integrity and animal welfare.
Ms O'Connor - This is someone who passed information on to ORI and was getting threatening phone calls.
Mr SPEAKER - Order, member for Clark.
Ms OGILVIE - You asked me to take action and today we are taking action. This is strong and decisive action on the part of our Government. It is the right thing to do. I look forward to having your contributions.