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On Release of Interim Murrihy Report into Harness Racing …
Media release – Felix Ellis, Minister for Racing, 20 September 2023
Interim report into Tasmanian harness racing delivered
The Rockliff Liberal Government has taken strong action to protect the integrity of the racing community and strengthen animal welfare outcomes, because we take these matters extremely seriously.
The Government has received and reviewed an Interim Report from independent investigator Ray Murrihy that relates to allegations of team driving, race fixing and animal welfare concerns in the Tasmanian harness racing industry and the management of those issues by the Office of Racing Integrity.
Minister for Racing, Felix Ellis, said the Interim Report from Mr Murrihy reinforces the recommendations from the Monteith Review and the draft Racing Regulation and Integrity Bill 2023, including a strong governance model for racing and the establishment of a Tasmanian Racing Industry Commissioner.
“The draft Bill and the associated draft Consequential Amendments Bill are currently open for public comment until 6 October 2023 and provides certainty to the racing industry which generates more than $185 million in economic activity for Tasmania and involves more than 5800 people across the State.
“Other recommendations in Mr Murrihy’s Interim Report include support for a proposed Equine Welfare Code of Practice, which sets enforceable minimum standards for stocking density, ground conditions, feeding, weather protection, husbandry, transportation, medicines, and post-racing outcomes for horses.”
Minister Ellis said Tasracing will consider this advice in the development and implementation of the Tasracing Code of Practice for equine welfare and management.
“When finalised the Code of Practice will be referred to Biosecurity Tasmania for review and consideration as to whether there should be any provision in respect of the Code under the Animal Welfare Act 1993,” Minister Ellis said.
“Mr Murrihy also recommend changes to ratings, programming and balloting to address the level of competitiveness in Tasmanian harness racing. Tasracing will carefully consider these matters and engage with industry as appropriate.
“I thank Mr Murrihy for delivering this Interim Report, while he continues to work towards a final report.
“It is important that this investigation ensures procedural fairness to those involved and maintains impartiality, and I understand that this will take some additional time.
“I would also like to acknowledge the many industry members and stakeholders who engaged with Mr Murrihy through the extensive and comprehensive review process.”
The Tasmania Government awaits the final report and recommendations on all aspects of this investigation outlined in the Terms of Reference.
The interim report is available at: www.nre.tas.gov.au.
Media release – Dean Winter MP, Shadow Minister for Racing, 20 September 2023
Worst is yet to come on Racing Review
On 15 August, new Racing Minister Felix Ellis promised an interim Murrihy Report would include a response to and recommendations in relation to ‘the majority’ of the Terms of Reference.
Instead, we only have two out of seven areas covered and no recommendations at all.
Given the Government has had this interim report for almost three weeks, and says nothing we did not already know, it beggars the question as to why this was not immediately released
The interim report only tells us what the industry has known for years. Having entire races dominated by one trainer is bad for integrity and bad for the sport. The system has let the industry down and continues to.
We have already seen trainers leave the industry and the impact the system has had on standardbred breeding in this state.
Successive Racing Ministers have refused to acknowledge that having every horse in the field trained by the same person is a bad thing. It increases the risk of corruption and reduces interest in the sport. It should have been obvious and it should have been dealt with.
The Liberals have had their heads in the sand for years on racing and allowed it to get to this crisis point. It is shameful.
But we need to acknowledge the worst of the review is probably still to come.
Some of the allegations that went to that process included race fixing, team driving, animal abuse, tax evasion, wage theft, sexual harassment and sexual assault. It is still not clear when the final report will be completed or released or how some of these issues are going to be dealt with.
I call on the Minister to get this work done as quickly as possible. It is not fair on good racing people in Tasmania to be dragged through this for so long, when they have done nothing wrong.
Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 20 September 2023
Murrihy Report Shows Urgent Need for Reform to Protect Animals
The interim report from the Murrihy investigation of harness racing in Tasmania highlights the failure of laws and regulations to protect the welfare of horses in the industry.
Animal advocates and the community have been calling for law reform to protect animals in the racing industry for many years, and cases of mistreatment have been repeatedly raised in the media. Despite the obvious issues, the Liberals have denied any need for change.
Writing about the importance of animal welfare, investigator Murrihy said:
‘Welfare’ includes factors such as a horse’s health and physical environment, through to its mental state and nutrition. Community expectations require these needs be met throughout the lifetime of a harness horse, and there can be no tolerance for any practice that causes suffering – whether it be by mistreatment or by neglect.
Mr Murrihy has highlighted the inadequacy of the laws and regulations governing animal welfare in the racing industry, and cited Tasmania as lagging the nation on reform. His report recognised the need for meaningful change to improve the lives of animals, including minimum standards for homing, transport, feeding, breeding, and retirement. This change must happen urgently.
This report clearly demonstrates numerous animal welfare issues in the racing industry, and supports the long-term calls for reform. It’s now up to Racing Minister Felix Ellis to act.
We cannot have a situation in Tasmania where an independent expert investigator identifies numerous systemic animal welfare issues, only for the government to drag its heels. Minister Ellis must make improvements to the Animal Welfare Act and racing regulations an immediate priority.