Maternity assistance program
Racing WA’s Maternity Assistance Program (MAP) provides financial support to female jockeys and drivers during pregnancy.
The MAP is available to eligible persons at a maximum rate in line with the National Minimum Wage amount. If an eligible person’s average weekly income from race driving or riding for the previous 12 months (excluding time lost through injury) is less than this then the weekly payment will be capped at this lower amount. If an eligible person commences receiving income from another source during the payment period, they will be required to declare this income to Racing WA and their payment may be reduced accordingly.
The MAP is an industry payment and does not confer any employment relationship between the eligible person and Racing WA. No superannuation is payable in relation to this payment and any associated taxation is the responsibility of the individual.
To be eligible a jockey or driver must meet the following criteria:A full time licenced jockey who meets the following requirements:
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident
- A Western Australian resident who has been licenced as a jockey (or apprentice jockey) by Racing WA for a period of at least the 2 proceeding years and have ridden regularly in races in WA during this time;
- Earns income solely from their work as a jockey, with no alternate employment either within or outside of the racing industry; and
- If the jockey is a holder of any other license with Racing WA (e.g. Jockey/Trainer license or licensed in the Harness or Greyhound codes), then they will only be eligible for MAP payments if their riding income is their primary income source (trainer’s income – training fees, Trainers percentage of horse earnings)
A full time licensed harness driver who meets the following requirements:
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident
- A Western Australian resident who has been licenced as A or B Driver by Racing WA for a period of at least the 2 proceeding years and have driven regularly in races in WA during this time;
- Earns income solely from their work as a driver, with no alternate employment either within or outside of the racing industry; and
- If the driver is a holder of any other license with Racing WA (e.g. Trainer Harness or Greyhound) or licensed in the Thoroughbred or Greyhound codes) then they will only be eligible for MAP payments if their driving income is their primary income source (trainer’s income – training fees, Trainers percentage of horse earnings).