On to a new chapter: Racing WA's longest serving board member Anthony Hasluck calls time

Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) deputy chair Anthony Hasluck has called time after serving on the board for 11 years, citing his belief that a change in his Director’s position after a decade is part of good corporate governance.

The move comes after he played a role in all parts of the industry during his time on the board, serving on five different committees and chairing three of them – Integrity, Animal Welfare and Audit and Risk, while regularly leading the Finance Committee.

First appointed onto the RWWA board back in February 2014, Anthony watched the industry go through significant change and reflected on the positives that emerged throughout his tenure.

“One of the first decisions that I was involved in was to proceed with funding the (then) new track and facilities at Cannington,” Anthony said.

“Since then, many millions have been spent across all three codes including Bunbury, Ascot, Pinjarra and at many other sites in the State.

“A lot of work has been done to make racing better for everyone, no matter which side of the rails you are on.”

Anthony believes one of the most impactful changes for the industry has been the increased importance placed on animal welfare.

During his tenure, RWWA has invested heavily in the Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) program and founded Off the Track WA (OTTWA), helping provide a better life after racing for retired greyhounds and horses.

“Among the many moments of satisfaction I take from RWWA is seeing the number of greyhounds now being walked as pets in my neighbourhood,” Anthony said.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that animal welfare is fundamental to the ongoing success of each code and we must meet the changing expectations of our community.

“Animal welfare is in a far better and more sophisticated place than it was 11 years ago.”

On the other side of the industry, Anthony tipped his hat to the high integrity standards that WA maintained during his tenure.

“I’ve been on the board for more than a decade and during that time there has not been a major integrity issue in WA,” he said.

“Some of the issues that have been highlighted in the media in the past in the Eastern States have not occurred in our backyard. I think that’s a testament to the skills and focus of our integrity team.  

“The work that they do is absolutely fundamental to keeping racing going and I think the industry owes them a genuine vote of thanks.”

Despite being confronted with the many challenges of the global COVID pandemic, racing has continued to grow in the past decade, with close to a $90 million boost in industry funding from RWWA in the period of Anthony’s tenure.

“It’s vital that we call out the success of the wagering team and the WA TAB in the last decade…we have to work very hard to maintain our competitiveness,” he said.

“It has been challenging to maintain strong investment in the WA TAB during several attempts to sell our wagering activities.

“We have always sought to ensure that our digital and retail platforms continue to improve for customers and promote our racing products to grow revenue  while supporting all three racing codes.

After more than a decade on the board, Anthony said that he is leaving it in capable hands and believes RWWA will continue to thrive with the current Board now, and into the future.

“I think RWWA will keep going strongly irrespective of any one individual,” he said.

“They are supported by hundreds of staff who are all working hard to ensure we have a sustainable racing industry.

“I have genuinely enjoyed my time in the sector … it’s been a great and challenging period of my life. I’ve learned a lot and I certainly hope I’ve contributed a bit.

“I think people in racing are wonderful people and I wish them well for the future.”

Chair of the RWWA board Karen Farley said that Anthony brought knowledge and experience as the longest serving board member.

“Anthony's calm manner and understanding of complex issues has encouraged and supported every member of our Board to contribute to discussion around important issues and good decisions have followed,” she said.

“We will miss him greatly and thank him for his support and commitment to RWWA. We wish him all the very best for future challenges."

Fraser Williams