About the panel

The Racing Appeals Panel is an independent entity that provides quick, accessible and fair reviews of stewards' decisions for all codes of racing in Queensland.

The panel consists of experienced legal, veterinary, animal chemistry and racing industry professionals who are independent of the government and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission.

Our Code of conduct outlines the standard of conduct and behaviour expected of the Panel to:

• observe the rules of natural justice
• act independently, impartially and fairly
• not be subject to direction or control by any entity, including any Minister
• finalise review applications within the prescribed timeframes, and
• ensure racing decisions are made in accordance with the law and the Rules of Racing to maintain the integrity of the racing industry in Queensland.

The Queensland Racing Appeals Panel Guidelines provide information about the practice and procedure of the panel in exercising its functions and powers under the Racing Integrity Act 2016 (the Act).

The Annual Performance Report is prepared by the Chairperson as required by the Act. It describes the work of the Racing Appeals Panel in hearing and deciding applications for review of a racing decision of a steward and other functions described under the Act.

Panel members

Chairperson

Mr Kerry O'Brien AM

Mr O’Brien was the Chief Judge from 2014 to 2020 and a Judge of the District Court of Queensland from 1989 to 2020. He has extensive skills and experience in high-level judicial decision-making roles and almost 50 years of experience in law and in the operation of courts and tribunals.

Deputy Chairperson

Ms Dianne Condon

Ms Dianne Condon is a barrister with 25 years of experience litigating across a breadth of industries, specialising in criminal law and administrative law. Her extensive experience in prosecutions takes in serious animal welfare offences. Ms Condon has held senior statutory, corporate and strategic roles in government across justice, health, mining, agriculture, corrections and communities sectors, including General Counsel and Head of Risk.

Panel members

Dr Megan Brooks

Dr Brooks is a barrister at the Queensland private bar since 2018. Prior to her career in law, she worked for many years in pharmaceutical research and development, acquiring particular expertise in research governance. Megan has an applied biology degree in biochemistry/toxicology and a PhD in Science.

Mr Patrick Cullinane KC

Mr Cullinane is a barrister with 22 years of legal experience in regional Queensland. A racing enthusiast who attended race meetings from a young age, he has a high degree of understanding of the Queensland racing industry.

Mr Darren Guppy

Mr Guppy is a solicitor admitted to practice in Queensland since 2001 and has been a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in his field for the past 18 years. As a previous handler and owner-trainer, he has knowledge of the greyhound racing code and is also a former owner of thoroughbreds.

Ms Lyndsey Hicks

Mrs Lyndsey Hicks, a Wakka Wakka/Goreng Goreng Woman from the Burnett region, has expertise in racing and is the Compliance Lead at the Australian Football League (AFL) and former Stipendiary Steward in thoroughbred and harness racing in Queensland.

Mr Daryl Kays

Mr Kays is a former Chaperone at Sports Integrity Australia and racing steward with over 60 years of experience in the racing industry in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland across all three codes.

Dr Damien MacGinley

Dr MacGinley is a senior Veterinary Surgeon with over 30 years of experience in the veterinary industry. He has worked in many practices in NSW and QLD, and has a wealth of professional experience in clinical veterinary practice. He is a member of several Animal Research Ethics Committees for major hospitals, medical research institutes, and universities in Victoria and Queensland. Dr MacGinley has a love for animals and a passion for animal welfare.

Ms Juanita Maiden

Ms Juanita Maiden is a Senior Associate at Mullins Lawyers. She has extensive experience in sports law including as the Chairperson of the AFL Queensland Disciplinary Tribunal for 6 years and experience on disciplinary tribunals for Queensland Rugby League, Skate Australia and Swimming Victoria.

Mr John McCoy OAM

Mr McCoy has over 50 years of experience across all codes of racing as a retired racing and sporting broadcaster. As a former racing club chairperson, he has demonstrated experience in risk management and dispute mitigation.

Mr Richard Oliver

Mr Oliver is a highly experienced barrister with over 40 years in the legal profession. He has extensive tribunal experience, including leadership in managing the Racing List at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal. He has comprehensive knowledge of the Rules of Racing and proven his ability to deliver clear, concise judgements.

Ms Julie Overell

Ms Overell has expertise in racing with 37 years of relevant industry experience as a retired jockey where she engaged with owners and trainers daily. She also has experience of working as a stable foreperson where she oversaw the care and wellbeing of the horses, supervised stable staff and assisted trainers, vets and farriers.

Mr Ken Waller

Mr Waller has expertise in racing with 49 years of industry experience as a now retired jockey and trainer. Inducted to the Queensland Country Racing Hall of Fame, he continues to support his lifelong passion for the racing industry by mentoring and coaching apprentice jockeys. He has been a member of the Toowoomba Turf Club.

Mr Edwin Wilkinson

Mr Wilkinson has expertise in racing and is a retired thoroughbred jockey with 29 years of experience in Australia and overseas. He is passionate about promoting the integrity of the Queensland racing industry.