Independent inquiry into the management of retired racehorses (the Martin Inquiry)

About the Martin Inquiry

In October 2019 the ABC 7.30 program aired a story about the ‘wastage’ of retired racehorses. The story raised issues about the treatment of horses at a Queensland abattoir. Following this the Queensland Government commissioned an Independent inquiry into the management of retired racehorses (the Martin Inquiry). The Martin Inquiry also looked at the regulatory and oversight arrangements for abattoirs and knackeries and the transport of horses to those facilities.

The Martin Inquiry was led by retired District Court Judge Terry Martin SC with the support of equine veterinary surgeon Dr Peter Reid. The Martin Inquiry made 55 recommendations.

Read the final report and terms of reference (PDF, 538.5KB). Submissions to the inquiry are also available to read.

Queensland Government’s response to the Martin Inquiry

The Queensland Government fully supported, supported in-part or supported in-principle all 55 recommendations by the inquiry.

Read the Queensland Government’s response to the independent inquiry.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is leading actions to progress 27 recommendations.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission and Racing Queensland are leading actions to progress the implementation of 8 recommendations and 19 recommendations respectively.

One of the recommendations was supported and required no further action.

Read about the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ progress in implementing the 27 recommendations it is leading.

The Government is strengthening the oversight and regulatory arrangements for abattoirs and knackeries and the transport of horses to those facilities. It is also promoting good welfare outcomes for retired racing horses.