Media release – Independent Member for Clark, Kristie Johnston, 1 December 2021
Government Says it’s Okay to Beat Horses
Yesterday, during GBE scrutiny hearings, the Independent Member for Clark, Kristie Johnston, asked the Minister for Racing if she was aware that the RSPCA has called for the use of whips for thoroughbred and harness racing to be banned. She followed up by asking if the Tasracing Board had discussed the banning, or at least the phasing out of whips and, if so, when did those discussions take place and what was the outcome.
“Unfortunately, except for some platitudes about waiting for a nationally consistent approach to whips, I got nothing useful from the minister,” Ms Johnston said.
“Let me be clear, beating an animal with a stick is cruel. End of story.
“You can’t beat a dog – the law would come after you – but according to the racing minister you can go right ahead and beat a horse. In fact, racing stewards instruct jockeys to carry whips and punish them if they don’t.
“The use of whips in racing is nothing short of government-sanctioned animal cruelty.”
Ms Johnston said that the reform of whip rules would bring Tasmania into line with the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France and parts of the United States.
“There’s no reason why Tasmania can’t take the lead and ban whips now.
“At the very least Tasracing could support Racing Victoria’s push to phase out whip use by limiting the number of times in a race a rider is allowed to whip their horse.
“The minister touts the economic and employment benefits of racing to Tasmania, but this does not excuse blatant, shameful animal cruelty. The industry is in danger of losing public support and it’s social licence if it continues on this head-in-the-sand pathway.”
“This cruel practice must end now.”
Media release – Jane Howlett, Minister for Racing, 30 November 2021
Increased funding for Tasmanian racing industry
The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to back Tasmania’s racing industry, and as Minister for Racing, I am pleased to announce that Tasracing has brought forward a proposed code funding increase by six months to 1 January, 2022.
The decision to increase code funding by 4.3 per cent was taken given the strong financial performance of the organisation in the 2020/21 financial year.
Based on this strong financial footing, the industry is set for a period of further growth.
The company reported a total comprehensive profit last financial year of $6 million thanks to record turnover and increased Race Field Fee revenue.
The funding increase means a four per cent – or $1.3 million on an annual basis – increase in stakes across the three codes.
Prior to the introduction of the increase, Tasracing will consult directly with the industry about its specific detail.
The Tasmanian racing industry is critical for the State, generating close to $185 million in value-added contribution to the Tasmanian economy.
Almost 6,000 people are involved in the industry as employees, participants or volunteers, with nearly two thirds based in regional or rural Tasmania.
Media release – Office of Racing Integrity, 1 December 2021
Suspension – Scott Brunton
On 23 November 2021, Office of Racing Integrity stewards conducted a hearing in relation to trainer Mr Scott Brunton presenting a horse, Kuroset, with arsenic above the permitted threshold.
The stewards panel found Mr Brunton guilty and imposed a penalty which included a three-month suspension.
Mr Brunton has since appealed the steward’s decision to the Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board and has received a stay of the penalty whilst the appeal is heard, meaning that Mr Brunton is free to continue training in the interim.
