During Estimates today, Racing Minister Jane Howlett produced a complete trainwreck of a performance. The Minister refused to answer simple questions, failing to provide an ounce of transparency or accountability.

Specifically, Minister Howlett refused to deny that she offered personal assistance to disgraced racing trainer Ben Yole.

Under repeated questioning, Minister Howlett point blank refused to deny that she had conversations with participants named in the Murrihy Review. 

This Minister has too many conflicts of interest to count.

This latest shocking development comes on the heels of Minister Howlett defending the decision to renew Ben Yole’s racing licence, despite an active investigation into allegations of race fixing, team driving and animal welfare concerns.

Having a racing minister that cosies up to people that have been warned off the industry, even wishing them 'happy birthday', sends a terrible message to the Tasmanian racing community.

The racing industry supports hundreds of jobs, small businesses, and regional communities, and it deserves a Minister who is prepared to clean it up, not just enjoy the races.

Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Racing