Racing Minister Grace Grace said she had made a direction for the chief executive of Albion Park Harness Racing Club Scott Steele to be stood down after the sexual assault charges were brought against him.

“I have been talking with Racing Queensland since September last year where we have directed the board to stand Scott Steele down,” she said.

“They (Albion Park) have challenged that direction. That’s now under Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and we are awaiting a decision. I have been working with them and getting regular updates.

“I do not think it’s appropriate the he remains in that position and I have made my views very well known and Racing Queensland has issued a directive from September last year and the board has challenged that.

“All I have is the power to direct Racing Queensland to direct the board and that is exactly what they have done.”

Steele was named on Brisbane radio station 4BC yesterday as the person who had been committed to stand trial on two charges of sexual assaulted and one of rape..

Albion Park Harness Racing Club has been contacted for comment.