Greyhound Industry Fights Back Against Phase-Out

Greyhounds Tasmania and three racing clubs have launched a campaign to overturn the state government’s decision to phase out greyhound racing.

In an open letter, they argue that the decision is politically motivated and not based on evidence, despite the industry’s significant reforms over the past decade. The groups contend that the ban would eliminate supposedly 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and remove $60 million from regional economies, and they refuse to participate in any transition plan, insisting the phase-out must be reversed.

Greyhound Industry Fights Back Against Phase-Out 3

Media release – Greyhounds Tasmania, 29 August 2025

Tasmanian greyhound racing participants step up fight following “transition” open letter

The heads of three Tasmanian greyhound racing clubs have issued an open letter (below) in response to a so-called “transition plan” announced by the state’s Racing Integrity Commissioner.

The clubs have already launched a campaign to save greyhound racing in the wake of Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s politically-motivated decision to phase out the sport, despite his unequivocal support just days before the election.

Following an open letter by the commissioner published over the weekend, they are now stepping up their campaign, refusing to accept the premise of a transition following the integrity commissioner’s acknowledgment that people “want to express (their) views.”

A growing coalition of Tasmanians is determined to have its say, insisting they “will not participate in mechanisms designed to manage its closure”, and declaring, “our position is clear: the phase-out must be reversed.”

Left unopposed, Premier Rockliff’s decision to phase out greyhound racing would destroy 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and strip $60 million from regional economies.

Racing participants said the Premier is clearly rattled after deceiving the industry and should not be “hiding behind the commissioner for a quick political fix.”

Open Response to the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner

From Greyhounds Tasmania – 25 August 2025

Dear Commissioner Carroll,

We acknowledge your open letter dated 23 August and appreciate your recognition of the impact the proposed phase-out has had on the Tasmanian greyhound racing community. Your commitment to respectful dialogue and transparency is noted.

However, Greyhounds Tasmania must be unequivocal: we do not accept the premise of a transition. The announcement of a phase-out is not a settled outcome—it is a contested policy that we are actively working to overturn. The formation of a Transition Working Group is, at this stage, premature and inappropriate, as it presupposes the dismantling of an industry that has not only reformed but continues to operate with integrity, accountability, and community support.

Since the 2016 Joint Select Committee Inquiry, the Tasmanian greyhound industry has delivered a decade of measurable reform:

- Mandatory injury reporting and centralised data systems;
- Expansion of the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP);
- Breeding controls and whole-of-life tracking;
- Strengthened integrity and compliance oversight, including the establishment of your office, the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner;
- Rehoming subsidies and participant education;
- Tasracing has significantly increased commercial revenue streams for the greyhound code through mechanisms like race field fees, demonstrating improved financial self-sufficiency.

These reforms were implemented in direct response to government recommendations. They have improved welfare outcomes, reduced injury rates, and demonstrated the industry’s capacity for continuous improvement. To now dismantle this system is not only unjust—it undermines the integrity of the reform process itself.

More troubling is the political context in which this decision was made. It is widely understood that the phase-out was not driven by evidence, consultation, or community demand—but by the political survival of a Premier willing to sacrifice regional livelihoods to appease a minority crossbench. This is not reform. It is expediency. And it raises a critical question: who or what is next on their agenda—and where will this stop?

Beyond the industry, the proposed ban will have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities, particularly in rural and regional Tasmania. Greyhound racing is not an isolated activity—it is a local ecosystem. It supports breeders, trainers, veterinarians, feed suppliers, transport operators, accommodation providers, and countless small businesses that rely on race meetings and club operations. The economic and social impact will be felt far beyond the track.

For many, greyhound racing is not just a livelihood—it is a way of life. It is a source of identity, community connection and generational pride. The phase-out threatens to sever that connection, displace hundreds of jobs, and fracture regional economies already under pressure.

We will engage constructively with any process that seeks to strengthen the industry, but we will not participate in mechanisms designed to manage its closure. Our position is clear: the phase-out must be reversed, and the government must return to a reform-based policy framework grounded in evidence, welfare, and regional equity.

We welcome further dialogue and will continue to advocate through formal channels, public forums, and legal avenues. Our commitment remains: to protect greyhounds, defend regional Tasmania, and uphold the principles of reform—not eradication.

Yours sincerely

Greyhounds Tasmania Committee. On behalf of,

Stephen Lockley – HGRC, John Newson – LGRC, Ben Englund – NWGRC

Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.

Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians.

New initiatives on the way include: