1 July 2021
Female drivers unable to continue their racing commitments due to pregnancy will continue to be paid under an innovative new maternity leave policy launched by Harness Racing New South Wales.
The new scheme, which comes into effect as of 1 July 2021, ensures women will not be financially penalised by the forced cessation of their driving duties during the second and third trimesters of their pregnancy.
Harness Racing Rules stipulate a participant must inform Stewards as soon as becoming aware of her pregnancy. They are then ineligible to drive after the first trimester of pregnancy.
“This is a rule designed to protect the safety of the driver and the unborn child, but unfortunately it has come at a cost to many of our female drivers over the years, so this scheme helps address that inequity,” Harness Racing New South Wales Chief Executive John Dumesny said.
“We are an all-inclusive sport and industry and our female participants should not be penalised for starting a family.”
It is the most comprehensive policy implemented in Australian harness racing and came about following an audit of welfare initiatives over the past year.
Under the terms of the new policy, HRNSW will pay eligible female drivers an amount equal to the average weekly income they earned from driving in NSW races in the 12 months prior to the date they were forced to stop racing. The total payment is capped at $7,500.
Once the baby is born, drivers are then eligible for the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme.
“While this is a landmark policy that does raise the bar in terms of what is offered in Australian harness racing, this is also a case of doing the right and responsible thing for our female participants,” Mr Dumesny said.
“I genuinely hope this financial support will provide assistance to our female drivers who are looking to have a family and participate in our sport of harness racing.”
There are just over 100 female drivers registered in New South Wales.
To read the policy CLICK HERE