Ron Beazley, Victorian government solicitor during the 1990s, has been announced as RVIC chairman, while Supreme Court judge Jack Forrest and Kate Joel, Harness Racing Victoria deputy chair and former director of the Racing Analytical Services Laboratory, join the council. Completing the five-person panel are Racing Victoria directors Bryan Gurry and Peter Sinn.

The RVIC has been established as an independent panel providing expert advice on integrity policies, procedures and compliance to the Racing Victoria board and Integrity Services Department. It’s understood the council is the first of its kind in Australasia and one of the most powerful panels in any racing province.

Head of Racing Victoria integrity services, Dale Brown, said he and chief steward Terry Bailey were pleased at the board’s introduction to racing. ''It’s a great move by Racing Victoria, it’s a board that is truly independent and it means that we can approach some of the best legal minds in the state for advice,'' Brown said.

Racing Victoria chief executive Bernard Saundry said the quality of the individuals chosen was exceptional. ''Ron Beazley, Jack Forrest and Kate Joel bring a wealth of expertise to the table and will be important assets for Racing Victoria as we manage the integrity of the sport,'' he said.

''They will be an expert source of policy advice for both the Racing Victoria board and our integrity services management and their independent opinion will be regularly sought on integrity matters of great importance. The announcement of the three outstanding independent members of the council will ensure that we remain at the forefront of integrity management in Australian sport.''