RACING Queensland (RQ) has announced its support of a decision by Tatts Group to apply to the Queensland Supreme Court to determine a dispute over deductions relating to interstate race information fees.

RQ chief executive, Darren Condon, said the move was amicable and both parties wanted to have the matter determined as soon as possible.

“We consider the deductions made by Tatts Group were not authorized under the terms of the agreement and support Tatts Group’s course of action to resolve the matter in the Queensland Supreme Court,” he said.

“We want to do so in a timely and cost effective manner and welcome Tatts Group’s co-operative approach.”

“Considering the significance to the Queensland racing industry a determination is required.”

Tatts Group chief executive officer, Robbie Cooke, said his organisation intended to seek the court’s determination as to the correct interpretation of the agreement.

“We will continue to work cooperatively with Racing Queensland to obtain an outcome in a timely and cost effective manner for all parties,” he said.

The dispute centres around the interpretation of a clause in the Product and Program Agreement between TattsBet Limited, RQ and Queensland Race Product Co Limited (a non-profit subsidiary of RQ) which was entered into in June 1999.

RQ maintains that TattsBet owes $126 million in fees deducted for the use of interstate race information and put this proposition to Tattbet in 2012.

However, TattsBet maintains it is entitled to make the deduction.

RACING QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE