Premier Jeremy Rockliff has performed a significant backflip on his previous stance regarding greyhound racing in Tasmania.
A letter dated July 17, 2025 (just two days before the snap election), assured the North West Greyhound Racing Club of the government’s commitment to the industry’s sustainability and financial stability.
However, a media release from August 10, 2025, now states the government’s decision to phase out greyhound racing by June 30, 2029.
This policy reversal comes less than a month after Rockliff’s letter and highlights a major change in the government’s position on the sport.
Text from letter published here for readability
17 July 2025
Mr Ben Englund
North West Greyhound Racing Club Inc
Dear Mr Englund,
Thank you for your correspondence on behalf of Tasmania’s greyhound racing industry.
I have pleasure in responding on behalf of all Tasmanian Liberal candidates.
I know that the racing community and more broadly the Tasmanian community want a racing industry that is fair, humane, and sustainable across all three codes, including greyhound racing.
The government is committed to support the longevity and sustainability of the racing industry, which you know generates close to two $208 million in economic activity for Tasmania, and which involves more than 6400 people.
Work has already started on developing a new racing industry funding deed to ensure the ongoing financial stability of the Tasmanian racing industry. I understand this is the industry’s number one priority, and I recognise the industry needs certainty, and we will deliver that.
The government also remains committed to providing funding support for a training solution on the North West Coast, once we have received additional advice from Tasracing and other stakeholders.
We’ll continue to back Tasmania’s racing community and the vital jobs in regional Tasmania and the many families and other small businesses it supports.
Yours sincerely.
Jeremy Rockliff, MP
Premier
Media release – Jeremy Rockliff MP, Premier; Jane Howlett MP, Minister for Racing, 10 August 2025
Phasing out greyhound racing
The Tasmanian Government will phase out greyhound racing by June 30, 2029.
This will coincide with the expiration of the current funding deed, providing an opportunity to deliver a measured transition that focuses on the welfare of participants and greyhounds.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the time had come to make a call on the future of greyhound racing in Tasmania.
“I’m concerned about the future of the industry and continue to be concerned about animal welfare,” Premier Rockliff said.
“It’s time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania.
“A parliamentary committee will be established to oversee the transition and responsibly map out the pathway forward.
“As we deliver a measured and sensible phaseout of greyhound racing, I want to be crystal clear on my support for the broader racing industry, its participants, and our regional communities.
“I know there are many participants in the industry who care deeply for their animals who will be extremely disappointed by this policy decision, but the reality is the greyhound industry is at the crossroads, is in decline and it is increasingly clear it does not align with community expectations.”
Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said the Government would work through the transition in a careful and considered way.
“We remain absolutely committed to supporting our wider racing industry and its participants,” Minister Howlett said.
“The Racing Integrity Commissioner will provide advice and support to help guide this transition.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring those in the greyhound industry, their families and their communities are supported through this transition.”
Premier Rockliff recognised the strong advocacy from across the community for change in the greyhound industry.
“In particular, I want to acknowledge the RSPCA, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania, community advocates such as Rosie Saville and a number of members across the parliament, including Kristie Johnston, and many others.”
Media release – Dean Winter MP, Labor Leader, 10 August 2025
Cynical Premier can’t be trusted
Yesterday the Liberals gave away their signature forestry policy. Today it is greyhounds. What will it be tomorrow?
Tasmanians won’t have forgotten that on the eve of the 2024 election Jeremy Rockliff promised the stadium wouldn’t cost Tasmanians a “red cent more” than $375 million.
He told Tasmanians he would introduce a mandatory pre-commitment card for electronic gaming machines.
What happened to those promises?
Under a Labor Government, there will be transparent, evidence-based decision making.
The future of greyhound racing is a good example of the kind of issue that a truly consultative, collaborative parliament could resolve across the chamber to come with a clear well thought out plan that has animal welfare and the people impacted at its core.
There are 650 Tasmanians employed by greyhound racing. These Tasmanians are waking up this morning to see their livelihoods being traded off by Jeremy Rockliff in a desperate attempt to cling onto power, with no consultation, no compassion, and no exit strategy.
Any decisions of this magnitude need to be taken carefully, following due process, and not as part of a political bid to cling on to power.
The Liberals track record shows they cannot be trusted or taken seriously when it comes to racing and animal welfare.
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