Martin Inquiry

On 17 October 2019 the ABC’s 7.30 Report aired a program called ‘The Final Race’ which revealed the alleged mistreatment of horses at a Queensland abattoir, including both retired and registered racehorses. The Queensland Government commissioned an independent inquiry into animal cruelty in the management of retired Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in Queensland (The Martin Inquiry). The final Inquiry Report released highlights the importance of accurate lifecycle data in ensuring public confidence in racing.

The Martin Inquiry was led by retired District Court judge Terry Martin SC with the support of equine veterinary surgeon and Australian Veterinary Association representative Dr Peter Reid. The inquiry specifically reviewed the regulatory and oversight arrangements for the operations of abattoirs and other facilities accepting horses for slaughter and the management of retired racing horses in Queensland.

The Martin Inquiry report was handed down on 14 January 2020 with a total of 55 recommendations made. The Queensland Government provided a response to the Martin Inquiry which accepts all recommendations either in full, in-part or in-principal.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has been tracking the implementation of the Martin Inquiry recommendations that it is solely responsible for and reports on the current status of these recommendations.

See the implementation status of Martin Inquiry recommendations for more information.