Former Federal politician Peter McGauran has joined Racing NSW in a senior management role.
Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'landys has announced the appointment of McGauran to the position of Director of Strategy, Marketing and Public Affairs.
The role involves McGauran assisting with the strategic planning of the organisation, including infrastructure development, marketing, public affairs and Government relations.
A lawyer by training, McGauran is the immediate past CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and before that held senior positions in the Commonwealth Government, including Minister for Agriculture.
He is widely experienced in racing having been an amateur jockey and a stipendiary steward in Victoria.
As Minister for Agriculture, McGauran's immediate grasp of the difficulties facing the racing industry saw him play a key role in the Federal Government's $234million income support package for racing participants in response to the Equine Influenza crisis of 2007.
V'Landys said his appointment is a major coup for Racing NSW.
"We immediately sought Peter McGauran to join us when he left his previous position," V'Landys said.
“It is rare to have someone of his calibre become available. He brings enormous experience and ability and will be a major asset to the NSW racing industry."
McGauran will commence with Racing NSW on January 9.