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 underthe 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 Chairpersons

Ms Dianne Condon

Ms Dianne Condon is a Queensland barrister with over 20 years of experience litigating for the State across a breadth of industries, specialising in criminal law and administrative law. Most recently an appointed Legal Board Member with the Parole Board Queensland, she also has extensive experience prosecuting including serious animal welfare offences under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld) and offences under the Racing Act 2002 (Qld).

Mr Peter O’Neill

Mr O’Neill is a barrister with 29 years of experience in Queensland including in private legal practice where he currently specialises in workers’ compensation law. He has experience in sporting judiciary roles including as the Baseball Queensland State Judiciary Chair and the Brisbane Rugby League Judiciary panel member.

Panel members

Ms Skye Bogenhuber

Ms Bogenhuber has almost 20 years of expertise in racing through her experience as a thoroughbred jockey, stablehand, strapper and trackwork rider in Queensland. Now studying to be a nurse, she is keen to use her knowledge and experience to benefit the Queensland racing industry.

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 Martin Einfeld KC

Mr Martin Einfeld KC is a retired barrister from New South Wales with many years of experience in legal practice including as an Acting Judge of the New South Wales District Court and former member of the Appeals Panel of Racing New South Wales.

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.

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.

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.