Introduction
Tasmanian Labor loves racing. Racing has a wonderful history in Tasmania but it has been let down in recent years by a Liberal government that does not care.
Devonport’s Ray Trinder famously won the 1972 Melbourne Cup with Piping Lane – and a few years ago, Ray’s grandson Adam was propelled onto the national stage, with his magnificent filly Mystic Journey winning the Australian Guineas in Melbourne.
In harness racing, Beautide won both the Interdominion and Miracle Mile on the mainland and only last year Tasmanian bred and owned greyhound Aussie Rocks won the Melbourne Cup.
Key Points
Labor’s Plan will:
- Within our first 100 days in office, bring together all codes for a racing forum to set the long term vision for the industry
- Get the Office of Racing Integrity functioning by appointing a senior, external person to act as Director of Racing until the Monteith Review can be implemented
- Implement the Monteith Review Legislation with the new structure in by the end of 2024
- In consultation with the industry, commit to a new 20 year funding deed by 30 June 2025
- Ensure workers compensation cover is held by all participants where required by law
- Provide an increase of $150,000 for breeding incentive schemes in 2024-25 and seek to incorporate breeding incentives into TasRacing funding deed thereafter
- Initiate an independent review of the Greyhound Adoption Program with the objective to increase its rehoming capacity
- Provide a commitment to no more racetrack closures
- Extend travel subsidy schemes until a new north west track is built
- Build the northwest track.
Why we need it
The Liberals have been in office for 10 years, but the past four have been particularly difficult for racing. Tasmania was the only jurisdiction to shut down racing during COVID, and only Labor stood with the industry to support it.
The Office of Racing Integrity is barely functioning, having appointed its ninth Director of Racing in three years.
“The Office of Racing Integrity is barely functioning, having appointed its ninth Director of Racing in three years”
Just when the industry saw light at the end of the tunnel with ORI finally being wound up, the election was called and racing continues without a functional integrity body.
The details
Racing in Tasmania needs a vision for its own future. It needs certainty to be able to thrive and move forward.
We will set a vision, with the industry on board, setting a secure 20 year financial footing that builds our industry and sets it up to be the best it can be.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government shut down greyhound and harness racing in Devonport. A Tasmanian Labor Government would provide $30 million to TasRacing to build the new Northwest Track to keep racing on in the north west alive.