If Labor win Saturday's state election they will press federal law enforcement agencies to give the state integrity commissioner direct access to telephone intercept material.
The move was one of the most appealing policies for the racing industry unveiled by the ALP future strategy on Monday.
However the change of legislation has been a contentious point in Victoria. Integrity officers at Racing Victoria have been frustrated by the lack of access to sensitive phone-tap material that has directly impacted on racing inquiries.
Phone intercepts in several high-profile cases have affected the racing industry but because of a federal telecommunications law, racing officials have been unable to view or access such material.
Only recently the Liberal government made changes to the access given to racing integrity officers, but the situation is still a long way from perfect in Victoria.
Shadow racing and gaming minister Martin Pakula said he supported the growth of racing and sought to protect the image of an industry that employs 27,000 people on a full-time basis and draws 1.8 million racegoers annually.
"Racing is the heart and soul of many regional communities, contributing so much to our economy. Labor will invest in the industry, protect its integrity and keep it strong," Pakula said.
"We trust the experts in Racing Victoria to make the right decisions about the future of the industry."
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said a Labor government would invest in racing infrastructure and training facilities, support jockeys, trainers and staff in the workplace, and take a leadership role to protect the industry's integrity and long-term funding.
Labor has announced they will also take up a leadership role on the national stage and request a tax rate and advertising regime for corporate bookmakers that is consistent between the states and territories, to support the long-term security of racing's funding base.
However the Liberal government has questioned Labor's support, believing the opposition offers no funding guarantees for racing infrastructure.
It also believes Labor will shut down training at the Caulfield racecourse, and oppose development and enhancement at Moonee Valley.
However both parties have confirmed Racing Victoria is the ruling body of the industry in this state and will leave matters such as jumps racing and the use of whips to RVL to regulate.
