McGauran to take top horse industry job

Former federal agriculture minister Peter McGauran is this week expected to announce that he has accepted the top job at Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.

Mr McGauran, who last Friday announced his resignation from parliament after 25 years as the Nationals member for Gippsland, will announce his new job as chief executive this week and take up the post next month, The Australian reported on Monday.
As agriculture minister, Mr McGauran spearheaded the government's $217 million rescue package for the Australian horse industry devastated by the outbreak of equine influenza (EI).
Mr McGauran would not officially confirm the appointment Sunday night, but told The Australian he did not believe the role posed a potential conflict of interest.
"I would not accept a position with an organisation or industry body that benefited directly from any decision I made as minister," he told the paper.
"The EI assistance package was distributed by Racing NSW and Queensland Racing, together with government agencies such as Centrelink.
"I had a lifetime interest and involvement with the racing and bloodstock industries, and my ambition has always been to work in them after politics."