Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA) acknowledges the Queensland Government’s response to the independent Racing Review and urges continued consultation with Wagering Service Providers (WSPs) to ensure the funding model for racing is sustainable and future focused.  

RWA CEO Kai Cantwell said we appreciate the work the Government has undertaken in responding to the Review but believes there is more work to be done to ensure Queensland has a funding model that works for the racing industry and for Queenslanders.  

“While the Review identified the need to reassess the Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) settings, it is unclear why this recommendation was not progressed, and RWA believes with further discussion we could achieve a better long term result for the industry,” Mr Cantwell said.  

“Reducing the current 20% POCT rate remains an important opportunity to strengthen industry funding, support growth and secure long term returns for racing. A model that supports investment and delivers more funding back into racing, not less.” 

Under the existing structure, 80% of POCT revenue in Queensland is returned to the racing industry, which means that when wagering activity softens, funding for prize money, clubs and infrastructure declines with it. 

“We know there is a tipping point where taxation becomes counterproductive as WSPs have to pull back on customer value with lower odds, and less investment. That reduces wagering activity, shrinks the tax base, and results in less money flowing to racing,” Mr Cantwell said. 

“We’ve already seen this play out in the ACT and in Queensland, where increases to POCT were followed by reduced wagering activity and falling total tax collected – the exact opposite of what the policy was designed to achieve. 

“None of us want to see that trend continue or worsen in Queensland. 

“Our goal is to work constructively with Government so that racing remains strong, competitive and well resourced into the future. 

“This is not just about wagering – it’s about jobs, community racing, regional communities and major infrastructure projects which need guaranteed funding.  

RWA and our members look forward to continuing discussions with the Government, Racing Queensland and industry stakeholders to achieve a fair, sustainable and growth focused funding model for the future.