ONE of Australia's most respected veterinarians, who oversaw Melbourne Cup winners and introduced new drug-testing methods, is suing Racing Victoria for almost $300,000, claiming damages and loss of income.
According to Supreme Court documents, Racing Victoria's former chief vet, Paul O'Callaghan, said his termination in January last year was in breach of his contract.
Instead of giving 18 months' notice, Racing Victoria gave him two months' pay after more than 13 years of service, O'Callaghan said.
The court documents do not reveal why his contract was terminated. He has been replaced by Brian Stewart, who took over the role before the spring carnival last year.
It is understood that before the appointment of Stewart, the position had been unfilled for some time.
Speculation was rife after O'Callaghan's departure that Racing Victoria considered not having a senior vet on staff.
"From May 2008 [O'Callaghan] held [Racing Victoria's] only employed professional veterinary position," the court documents said.
"At the time of the termination . . . [O'Callaghan] was of the highest standing with the equine veterinarian profession in Australia."
The statement of claim said O'Callaghan required 18 months' notice because he was unlikely to find new and commensurate employment before that time.
O'Callaghan was promoted to chief veterinary officer in May 2008, his responsibilities including clinical work at race meetings, running the quarantine centres at Sandown and Werribee, managing the national injury reporting system for jockeys and horses, and introducing new methods of drug detection.
His salary was $216,000 a year, including $26,262 superannuation and a $21,500 car allowance. The damages claim totals $297, 472. It is understood O'Callaghan is now working as a vet in New South Wales. A hearing is to be scheduled.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Who is suing Racing Victoria and what is the lawsuit about?
Paul O'Callaghan, Racing Victoria's former chief veterinary officer, is suing Racing Victoria claiming his January termination breached his contract and seeking damages and loss of income.
How much money is Paul O'Callaghan claiming in the Racing Victoria lawsuit?
The statement of claim says O'Callaghan is seeking damages totaling $297,472.
What were Paul O'Callaghan's responsibilities as Racing Victoria's chief vet?
As chief veterinary officer (promoted in May 2008), O'Callaghan handled clinical work at race meetings, ran quarantine centres at Sandown and Werribee, managed the national injury reporting system for jockeys and horses, and introduced new drug-detection methods.
How long did O'Callaghan work for Racing Victoria and what notice did his contract require?
O'Callaghan had more than 13 years' service and says his contract required 18 months' notice because he was unlikely to find comparable employment within that time; Racing Victoria, he says, gave him two months' pay instead.
What was Paul O'Callaghan's salary and benefits at Racing Victoria?
The article reports his salary was $216,000 a year, which included $26,262 in superannuation and a $21,500 car allowance.
Who replaced O'Callaghan as Racing Victoria's senior vet and was the role vacant beforehand?
Brian Stewart replaced O'Callaghan and took over the role before the spring carnival; court documents say the position had been unfilled for some time before Stewart's appointment.
Do the court documents explain why Racing Victoria terminated O'Callaghan's contract?
No — the court documents do not reveal the reason for his termination.
What is the current status of the legal case and where is O'Callaghan working now?
A hearing is yet to be scheduled, and the article says O'Callaghan is now working as a veterinarian in New South Wales.
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