Motorsport Australia has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement that it will introduce legislation to repeal the Motor Vehicle Sports (Public Safety) Act 1985.
The Act established a specific licensing regime for motor racing venues in New South Wales. While it has played an important historical role, the framework predates the contemporary safety, sanctioning, governance and insurance systems now operating across Australian motorsport.
The proposed repeal will bring New South Wales into line with other Australian jurisdictions and support a more modern and nationally consistent regulatory approach.
Importantly, the proposed reform affirms that the sanctioning and regulation of motorsport must remain the responsibility of nationally recognised governing bodies that are accountable for maintaining the highest standards of safety, governance, integrity and risk management across the sport. This is essential to ensuring consistent oversight, protecting participants and spectators, and preventing the fragmentation of safety and governance standards that can undermine public confidence and increase risk.
Motorsport Australia CEO Josh Blanksby said the reform was an important step forward for motorsport in New South Wales.
“This is a welcome and sensible modernisation of the regulatory framework governing motorsport in New South Wales,” Blanksby said.
“Motorsport Australia supports a nationally consistent approach that maintains strong standards of safety, sanctioning, insurance and accountability, while reducing unnecessary regulatory duplication.
“We look forward to working closely with the NSW Government, clubs, venues and the broader motorsport community to support a smooth transition and ensure participants, officials and spectators continue to have confidence in the arrangements governing our sport.”
Blanksby also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Australian Motorsport Council in progressing the reform which impacts all forms of motorsport across the country.
“The Australian Motorsport Council has undertaken considerable work over a sustained period to demonstrate why this legislation was no longer fit for purpose and to advocate for a more contemporary approach,” Blanksby said.
“Its persistence, industry knowledge and constructive engagement with the NSW Government have been instrumental in bringing the reform to this point.
“This outcome is a strong example of what can be achieved when the motorsport sector works collaboratively and presents government with a clear, evidence-based case for change.”
The repeal legislation is expected to be introduced into the NSW Parliament on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Subject to its passage, the new arrangements are expected to commence in April 2027.
Motorsport Australia will continue working with the NSW Government and the Australian Motorsport Council over the coming months on transition arrangements and the development of the NSW Motorsport Strategy.
