Mr. Pat Herbert:

The Senator mentioned traceability in his opening remarks. This board recognised very early in 2019 that traceability was the only game in town and that it was absolutely essential to have a robust and accountable traceability system if the future of the industry was to be maintained. This board has afforded every opportunity and every resource to the development of the traceability system that was launched last January. The modus operandiof the traceability system is that, unless you engage with the system, you cannot be part of the racing industry.

The person does not get to race and is automatically suspended. One is effectively removed. By the way, one does not get prize money either. All that is withheld. That is on the clear direction from the board that this is where the industry has to go.

The Senator mentioned media information as well. The board kept itself very much aware of what was happening with regard to certain individuals throughout the last number of years who committed, let us be honest, reprehensible acts. I can advise the committee that 13 exclusion orders have been progressed by this board since 2018. That is indicative of a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the industry and ensuring its longevity.