WEB-SITE PROMISED A COPY OF HIS ANSWERS TO CONTENTIOUS QUESTIONS

CHAIRMAN Bob Bentley will answer ‘on notice’ questions concerning legal and consultancy costs – alleged to be in the millions of dollars – at the annual general meeting of Queensland Racing Limited next Tuesday.

Mr Bentley has agreed to supply a copy of his answers to contentious questions on this and other issues to our web-site which we are appreciative of and prepared to run in full after the annual meeting.

In recent weeks this web-site has been inundated with e-mails from industry stakeholders asking how much Queensland Racing has spent on legal fees and consultancies during Mr Bentley’s tenure as chairman. We have been attempting to secure answers.

“Questions asked by you are questions ‘on notice’ at the annual general meeting and will be answered in that forum. I will be happy to make available to you a copy of my answers at the conclusion of the meeting,” Mr Bentley said.

He will also be answering an ‘on notice’ question at the QRL AGM concerning the costs of the History of Queensland Racing and has agreed to furnish our web-site with a copy of that report as well.

Mr Bentley said it was impossible for him to answer any questions concerning the latest action involving out-going Board member, Bill Andrews and Queensland Racing, because that was currently before the Supreme Court.

In relation to our request on behalf of many industry stakeholders for written confirmation concerning the requirement of deputy chairman, Tony Hanmer, to stand for re-election next year, Mr Bentley said the Board would follow the requirements of the constitution.

He was not prepared to elaborate on this matter. However, it is our understanding that Messrs Hanmer and Bill Ludwig will be required to stand next year. In the event of the Board being expanded, the two new members would not be required to stand next year despite industry speculation that they would.

Mr Bentley suggested that only 'mischief-makers' could read anything into his sighting with former Queensland Racing Minister, Bob Gibbs, on Cox Plate day.

He said that he understood Mr Gibbs was a guest of Mr Bruce Houston, an executive of the Tattersall's Group, sponsors of the Cox Plate. As a Board member of Tattersall's, Mr Bentley had, as a matter of courtesy, joined their guests at one stage during the afternoon and that must have been when he was seen in the company of Mr Gibbs.