Media Release | 28 August 2026
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming
Shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming Lachlan Hunter MP says the Cook Labor Government must move quickly to guarantee certainty and stability for Western Australia’s racing industry following the departure of Racing and Wagering Western Australia Chief Executive Ian Edwards.
Mr Hunter said Mr Edwards’ departure, after six years leading RWWA, came at a critical time, with the industry already facing significant uncertainty while the Government’s Financial Sustainability and Governance Review remains underway.
“I thank Mr Edwards for his service to RWWA and to Western Australian racing,” Mr Hunter said.
“However, his departure adds another layer of uncertainty at a time when racing participants are already waiting for answers about the future of their industry.
“The responsibility now sits squarely with the Cook Labor Government to provide confidence and certainty across all three racing codes.”
Mr Hunter said clubs, trainers, owners, breeders and the thousands of Western Australians whose livelihoods depend on racing needed confidence that funding, infrastructure and the long-term sustainability of the industry would be protected.
That certainty was particularly important for regional racing clubs, which were not simply racing venues but important economic and social institutions at the heart of communities across Western Australia.
“The Cook Labor Government must ensure this leadership change does not result in further delays, instability or uncertainty surrounding the current review,” Mr Hunter said.
“The Minister needs to clearly explain the arrangements for stable leadership at RWWA, provide assurance that the review remains on track and, most importantly, give the industry confidence about what comes next.
“WA racing supports thousands of jobs and makes an enormous economic and social contribution to our State. The industry deserves more than uncertainty, it deserves clear answers and a Government prepared to provide them.
“As Shadow Minister, I will continue standing up for the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing industries and ensuring regional clubs and participants have a strong voice in decisions that affect their future.”
ENDS
