QRIC staff received an email last Friday that Deputy Commissioner Natalie Conner had resigned from the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), government sources said.

Her resignation follows her taking “unscheduled leave” on February 23, government sources said.

Up to 70 staff out of 175 full-time employees have left the Commission since January 2022, the sources said.

The staff include veterinarians, stewards, lawyers, and several people from the finance department.

Racing Minister Grace Grace ordered a three-month independent best practice review of the state’s racing regulatory body which kicked off in January.

At the time Minister Grace said it was timely for a review of QRIC to ensure the body keeps delivering high integrity and animal welfare standards for the industry into the future.

KPMG was appointed to review the QRIC was established in 2016.

In a statement to InQueensland, Minister Grace Grace said she had accepted the Deputy Commissioner’s resignation on March 6.

Minister Grace did not comment on questions from InQueensland about the reasons for Ms Conner’s resignation.

“Employment matters relating to the former Deputy Commissioner remain confidential.

“The independent review I announced in December is intended to ensure QRIC keeps delivering first rate integrity and strong animal welfare standards for the racing industry,’’ she said.

Minister Grace said the review has given staff members and others opportunities to express their views on a wide range of QRIC matters.

“I look forward to receiving the results of the review,’’ she said.

As part of the KPMG review, former and current staff have been asked to complete a “culture survey” which includes questions about leadership, purpose and governance.

KPMG have also interviewed both former and current staff.

A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries spokesperson said KPMG will also seek feedback either in written or interview form, from 32 separate stakeholder groups.

The review is expected to be completed by the end of March.