The Victorian Government introduced a Bill into Parliament on Tuesday that will transition Harness Racing Victoria from a statutory authority to a company limited by a guarantee.
Amending the Racing Act 1958, the Racing Legislation Amendment (Entity Governance and Other Matters) Bill 2026 will move HRV out of the public sector.
HRV has worked with the Government to formalise the legislation, which will provide greater flexibility for it to innovate, commercialise, and drive the future of harness racing in Victoria.
First steps
Following its introduction to Parliament, the Bill must be approved by the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council and presented to the Governor of Victoria for Royal Assent. Once that’s received, it becomes an Act of Parliament and a law of Victoria.
What does this mean for harness racing in Victoria?
HRV will have greater flexibility to innovate and commercialise without being bound by government policies, including those that regulate media strategy, finance and borrowings.
A not-for-profit company, HRV will reinvest all profits back into the harness racing industry. It will be governed by a Board of Directors, which is appointed by the Minister for Racing.
When does this take effect?
The Minister for Racing will certify the new HRV company as the controlling body of Victorian harness racing, a process that will be completed no later than 1 July 2028.
The current HRV statutory authority will continue operations as usual until then.
What now?
The Department of Justice and Community Safety will work with HRV to develop a transition implementation plan while the Bill progresses through parliament.
