!['Another example of how weak Office of Racing Integrity is' 'Another example of how weak Office of Racing Integrity is'](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/NX9MbAzZyG5Vh8eWtwPQfX/b6b2aad8-2704-4ef6-a8a6-e884cb290fa1.JPG/r0_26_828_492_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Independent MP Kristie Johnston has told Tasmanian Parliament that leading horse trainer Scott Brunton's continued presence in racing industry shows he is "thumbing his nose" at the state's Office of Racing Integrity.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Nine-times Tasmanian trainers' premiership holder Scott Brunton had a wind up order placed on his company last week.
The company is currently under liquidation, owing more than $1 million to the Australian Tax Office.
It told its owners on Saturday that horses will now race under the names of Keys/Brunton, where Mr Brunton's partner Tegan Keys would be noted as head trainer and he would be listed as stable foreman, but there would be "no change to the training regime".
Ms Johnston said in Question Time on August 15 that Mr Brunton, in this action, was "thumbing his nose" to the racing rules in Tasmania.
"He knows ORI will do nothing," she said.
"This is another example of how weak ORI is."
Racing Minister Felix Ellis said racing licences were managed by the Director of Racing Justin Helmich.
READ MORE: Matilda's semi-final location announced
"The Director of Racing is deliberating on whether individual people are a fit and proper person, in accordance with the rules of racing," Mr Ellis said.
"He takes a number of considerations into account in determining the suitability of people to remain licence [holders].
"Such considerations include relevant criminal history, racing related history, and financial capacity.
"The Director of Racing will look into that and deal with it appropriately".
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner