Queensland's racing inquiry begins public sittings today, with former industry heads and several former Bligh government ministers summoned to appear. Justice Margaret White is examining activities in the industry between 2007 and 2012, including a multi-million-dollar payment into a Racing Queensland fund by the former Labor government just, before it was ousted in the state election last year, reports the ABC.
The Commission of Inquiry formally commenced in July and was due to report to the State Government by the end of this month.
However, the inquiry has been inundated with thousands of documents and still has to hear from more than 20 witnesses.
Public hearings begin today and are expected to run for at least three weeks.
Former Racing Queensland director Bob Bentley is due to appear first. Mr Bentley has already made a 22-page submission to the inquiry, where he says he met with former state government treasurer Andrew Fraser early last year, and sought what he says was the previously agreed reimbursement of funds that had been spent on infrastructure.
Former Bligh government ministers, including Mr Fraser, Peter Lawlor and Tim Mulherin, are also listed as witnesses to take the stand.