On Racing Industry Funding …

Media release – Madeleine Ogilvie, Minister for Racing, 30 September 2022

Increased funding for racing industry

The Tasmanian Liberal Government continues to back Tasmania’s racing industry.

I am pleased to announce that the funding allocation will increase by eight per cent or $2.53 million, effective 1 October 2022.

Tasracing has finalised the funding allocation for the three racing codes after consultation with code industry groups.

The additional funding will be used for increases to base stakes and feature races, additional races, code bonuses, and riding and driving fee increases.

Key highlights include:

Thoroughbreds –

• Newmarket Handicap raised from $125,000 to $150,000 and the Conquering Stakes, Elwick Stakes, Launceston Guineas and Strutt Stakes all raised from $100,000 to $125,000.

Harness –

• Sires Stakes Finals increase from $50,000 to $60,000 and Golden Apple Final from $30,000 to $50,000. An additional eighth race will be programmed at secondary meetings.

Greyhounds –

• The Hobart Thousand Final prize money increasing to $120,465 ($85,000 to the winner) and the heats increasing from $5,515 to $10,000, and the Greyhound Recovery Rebate Scheme funding has been increased to $100,000.

The Greyhound Recovery Rebate Scheme aims to reduce the instances of euthanasia at race meetings due to injury, by providing financial support for the assessment, repair and rehabilitation of those injuries.

The racing industry in Tasmania is critical for the state, generating about $185 million in value-added contributions to the economy.

Almost 6,000 people are connected to the industry as employees, participants or volunteers. The industry is particularly well represented in rural and regional communities.

Media release – Kristie Johnston MP, independent Member for Clark, Saturday 1 October 2022

Government increase funding to cruel racing industry a disgrace

The announcement today of an increase of 8% in funding for the racing industry is another slap in the face for struggling Tasmanians.

How anyone can justify subsidising this systemically cruel and morally repugnant industry is beyond me and many Tasmanians. Just a few days ago the Greens tabled a petition in Parliament with over 13,500 signatures calling for an end to taxpayers’ money being syphoned off to this cruel ‘sport’.

And this week an independent report into animal welfare across the three racing codes, the Sykes Report, made 83 recommendations for improving the welfare of racing animals, noting there are significant structural, leadership and staffing concerns at both Tasracing and the Office of Racing Integrity.

Tasmanians are sick of this Government getting its priorities wrong. Teachers are taking industrial action for better pay and conditions, and the health sector is on its knees. What does our Government do? Gives precious taxpayers money to racing and more to a football stadium.

Government media release available here: https://www.premier.tas.gov.au/site_resources_2015/additional_releases/increased-funding-for-racing-industry

Sykes report into animal welfare in racing here: https://tasracingcorporate.com.au/2022/09/26/tasracing-animal-welfare-review/