Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier & Jane Howlett, Minister for Racing, 15 March 2026

Compensation for Greyhound Industry Participants

Compensation for greyhound racing participants will be included in the greyhound racing legislation as the phase out of the code progresses.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Tasmanian Government will support participants and their dogs with compensation to be included in the Greyhound Racing Legislation Amendments (Phasing Out Reform) Bill 2025 and in the Budget.

“As we progress the phaseout of greyhound racing in Tasmania by June 2029, we will ensure participant and animal welfare are the priority,” Premier Rockliff said.

“Details about the compensation framework will be included in the legislation and a funding package will be outlined in this year’s Budget, supporting a careful and measured exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania.”

The Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner is developing the phaseout plan for the greyhound racing industry.

Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said the Government is delivering for Tasmania with a measured and sensible phaseout of greyhound racing with appropriate scrutiny through the Parliamentary Committee.

“Consultation during this process has already been extensive, and the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner will undertake further consultation during the development of the phaseout plan, which forms part of the Bill,” Minister Howlett said.

“This phaseout plan, which is subject to public inspection during the transition period, will be tabled in the Parliament.

“It will serve as a strategic and operational guidance document in the management of the phase out of greyhound racing.”

The Tasmanian Government remains committed to phasing out the industry, making sure there is good animal welfare rehoming and a clear pathway for participants who are going to be impacted by the transition.

Media Release – Dean Winter MP, Shadow Minister for Racing, 15 March 2026

Rockliff Government Sells Out Greyhound Racing for Greens Deal – Taxpayers to Pay Millions

The Rockliff Government has betrayed the greyhound racing community by striking a deal with the Greens to end greyhound racing – and now plans to amend its own Bill that already passed the House of Assembly. This exposes serious flaws in the original legislation.

Key questions remain unanswered:

  • What compensation will affected participants receive?
  • Will owners be paid for their dogs?
  • Will trainers and owners be compensated for investments in kennels, equipment, and training infrastructure?
  • What will the total cost be to a state budget already running structural deficits of more than $1 billion per year?

The greyhound community invested based on Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s assurances of support. If the shocking shutdown of the industry is approved by Parliament, it will cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

TasRacing has already provided evidence that ending greyhound racing will not save a single cent, telling Parliament the level of funding required to support TasRacing “…would be in the order of what is currently being received.”

That means, rather than saving money as claimed by the Liberals and Greens, the shutdown will cost Tasmanian taxpayers tens of millions in compensation, without delivering any savings.

Media Release – Kristie Johnston, Independent Member for Clark, 19 March 2026

Greyhound Racing Bans Roll On, Two Countries, Two Days

Scotland today followed Wales yesterday in banning greyhound racing, leaving only four countries yet to end the cruelty.

Australia, Ireland, England and the US (albeit with only two tracks in Virginia and 44 States with an outright ban) have yet to legislate an end to the outdated practice that has globally lost its social licence.

Tasmania is on the verge of being the first Australian state to ban greyhound racing after the Liberal government introduced a bill to end greyhound racing in 2029.

Tasmania’s Upper House, which is a mix of independents and not dominated by a major party, is expected to decide the bill’s fate in coming weeks.

“Tasmanians expect their leaders to lead and act in response to the overwhelming public support to ban greyhound racing – 74% of Tasmanians support the ban,” Kristie Johnston said.

“Globally as well, greyhound racing has resoundingly lost its social licence.

“Wales MPs voted 39-10, Scotland MPs 70-27 in favour of their bans. This is not a marginal issue.

“Tasmania can’t miss its opportunity. It’s now or never for the greyhounds.”

Media Release – Cassy O’Connor MLC, Greens Animal Rights Spokesperson, 19 March 2026

A Greyt Day for the Hounds as Scotland and Wales Ban Greyhound Racing

In a big win for greyhounds and animal welfare advocates, Scotland and Wales have both banned greyhound racing this week. Momentum is building. The Tasmanian Parliament has the opportunity to show real leadership on animal welfare and join the growing list of countries protecting these beautiful dogs.

Greens MSP Mark Ruskell’s bill shuts down the last remaining track in Scotland which was shut to racing early last year. In Wales, the ban will come into force between 1 April 2027 and 1 April 2030, with a transition period allowing industry wind down.

This significant animal justice reform brings the suffering and cruelty of greyhound racing to an end in two UK countries. They join a number of other countries in banning greyhound racing, including New Zealand, whose ban comes into effect in July of this year.

Greyhound racing is also illegal in the ACT following evidence of cruelty and firming public opinion against the industry. The industry’s business model requires an excess of breeding, and trades on the neglect, injury and early death of these beautiful, intelligent dogs.

Just since 1 January this year, seven greyhounds registered to race in Tasmania have died – either as a result of on-track injuries, or sickness including kennel cough. In the same ten week period, stewards’ reports confirm 40 dogs have been injured as a result of racing.

These confronting statistics are made even worse by the fact that for four of those weeks, greyhound races had been cancelled due to the kennel cough outbreak.

Scotland and Wales have joined the countries who’ve been a voice for the dogs, and the people who want to see them treated the way they deserve – in loving homes. Tasmania has a once in a generation opportunity to join other jurisdictions and end the state-subsidised exploitation, injury and death being inflicted on sentient creatures.

Media Release – Marcus Vermey, Government Whip, 21 March 2026

Labor Doyen Declares Greyhounds Must End

In an incredible public rebuke, former Labor Premier David Bartlett has decreed that the time for greyhound racing in Tasmania is done.

It’s no secret most of Labor feel this way, and Mr Bartlett’s comments in today’s Mercury newspaper confirm what most rank and file Labor members are thinking.

Government Whip, Marcus Vermey, said it was clear who was pulling the strings in the Labor party.

“When a former Labor Premier describes himself as ‘ashamed’ of his past support for this industry and calls for an end to taxpayer subsidies, it’s time for Josh Willie to reign in Dean Winter’s views on this clear cut issue,” Mr Vermey said.

“This is causing deep division within the Labor party ranks and now Mr Bartlett has shot a public broadside at his very own party.

“Mr Winter is increasingly isolated, clinging to a position that even his own party’s former leaders now reject.

“This Liberal Government is listening to the community and delivering the outcomes that they want to see.”

Media Release – Dean Winter MP, Shadow Minister for Racing, 25 March 2026

Statement on Greyhound Report

After just 105 days, the Greyhound Transition Committee has handed its report to the Legislative Council.

I have submitted a dissenting report because the process was a sham, the Committee received no evidence of animal cruelty, and the cost of the Government’s plan will be enormous.

For years, Tasmanians have been told by the Greens that banning greyhound racing would save millions. Yet the evidence to the Committee showed the opposite: greyhound racing is the most commercial of the three codes and operating only thoroughbred and harness racing would cost just as much as running all three.

In other words, shutting down the industry will not save a single cent.

What it will deliver is the loss of hundreds of jobs and a massive, unfunded task to rehome around 1,000 dogs – alongside compensation costs that will run into the tens of millions. A huge waste of money on top of all the other wasteful spending this government is known for.

This entire process is the direct result of the Liberals’ deal with the Greens to cling to Government. It represents an extraordinary betrayal by a party that once claimed to stand with traditional industries and working people. They have chosen political survival over principle, and Tasmanians are now left wondering what’s next.

Media Release – Marcus Vermey, 12 April 2026

Labor’s Greyhound Shame

The Winter-Willie opposition’s support for greyhound racing has again been condemned by Labor stalwarts.

As reported by ABC, senior Labor figures said they are ashamed of the Winter-Willie opposition’s backing of the greyhound racing industry and the party is on the wrong side of history.

Last year, Young Labor’s support for ending public funding of greyhound racing was gagged.

We know Labor is deeply divided, with members of the PLP told to keep quiet about their support for ending greyhound racing.

It is clear Josh Willie is leader in name only with Dean Winter still calling the shots.

Media Release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 12 April 2026

New State-of-the-Art Facility Helps Greyhounds Transition to Family Life

The Tasmanian Government is continuing to support strong animal welfare outcomes, with the redeveloped Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) Tasmania facility delivering excellent results for retired racing greyhounds.

The program, underpinned by a purpose-built $2.8 million upgrade, is playing a critical role in ensuring greyhounds successfully transition into loving family homes.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Government is delivering a sensible and measured phase out of greyhound racing which has participant and animal welfare at its core.

“As we progress the phaseout of greyhound racing in Tasmania by June 2029, we will ensure participant and animal welfare are the priority,” the Premier said.

“This is about giving these animals the best possible start to their next chapter.

“The purpose-built facility provides a safe, structured and comfortable environment where greyhounds can adjust to life beyond racing and develop the skills they need to thrive as pets.”

The redevelopment includes 30 indoor, air-conditioned kennels, individual day yards, and dedicated spaces designed to support each dog’s wellbeing year-round.

More than 100 greyhounds were rehomed through the program last financial year, with over 70 already adopted this financial year.

Minister for Racing, Jane Howlett, said the Government remains focused on delivering a responsible transition for the industry while maintaining strong animal welfare standards.

“We know this is a significant change for the industry, and we are committed to working with participants and stakeholders every step of the way,” Minister Howlett said.

“Our priority is to ensure a fair and orderly transition, with the wellbeing of both participants and greyhounds at the centre of our approach.

“The independent Racing Commissioner is finalising the framework for compensation, which will be focussed on the wellbeing of participants, animal welfare outcomes and fiscal responsibility.”

Tasmanians interested in adopting a greyhound are encouraged to learn more by visiting www.tasracing.com.au/gap.

Media Release – Marcus Vermey, Government Whip, 13 April 2026

Labor MP Backs Greyhound Phaseout

A senior member of Labor’s PLP has broken ranks with the Winter-Willie opposition’s position on greyhound racing.

Labor stalwarts have made it clear the Winter-Willie opposition is on the wrong side of history with their support for greyhound racing.

Last year, Young Labor’s support for ending public funding of greyhound racing was gagged.

It has been revealed senior PLP member Ella Haddad supported a call for Labor to back the Government’s phaseout of greyhound racing.

We know Labor is deeply divided over the Winter-Willie greyhound position.

It is clear Josh Willie is leader in name only with Dean Winter still calling the shots.