Support for racing industry off the pace

The State Government is ignoring important issues, says Scott Bacon

ASEducation Minister, now with the added responsibility of Skills as well, and Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jeremy Rockliff has a substantial workload.

We know the racing portfolio is not wanted by the minister because he gave it to Adam Brooks in February 2016, only to find it back in his lap a few weeks later.

But as the minister prioritises other areas, the racing industry in Tasmania is feeling the full effects of a reduction in stakes money and ongoing infrastructure headaches.

The minister’s opinion piece (Talking Point, September 29) didn’t mention the problems at the Hobart track.

The thoroughbred track at Elwick is in such dire need of repair it will have to be closed for a year to be upgraded.

I would have expected the Racing Minister to explain his Government’s plan to deal with this major upheaval.

The state of the track and the ramifications of closing it for 12 months is a contributing factor in leading trainer Scott Brunton’s decision to consider moving his operation interstate.

This will be a huge blow for racing in Tasmania and one the minister should immediately address.

The Government needs to have a clear plan for how racing will operate successfully while the Elwick track is out of action.

It needs to address the disadvantage to southernbased trainers who face considerable additional costs having to travel to Mowbray or Spreyton every week.

Labor has been engaging with the industry to try to find a sustainable way forward.

I commend Racing Clubs Tasmania for their advocacy on behalf of the industry’s grassroots and their constructive suggestions to make racing in Tasmania stronger.

Labor has also met with leading owners and breeders to hear their concerns and discuss ideas to make racing in the state more vibrant.

Unlike the minister, leaders in the industry are taking on the big issues head-on and putting their cards on the table.

Labor is committed to a full independent review of Tasracing to ensure public money allocated to the industry is having the maximum benefit when it comes to employment and economic activity.

We need to make sure there continues to be plenty of sustainable, full-time employment opportunities for racing people in regional Tasmania.

A review would cover everything from opportunities to expand Tasmania’s breeding industry to an examination of ongoing revenue streams.

The Liberals promised to boost stakes money and then took millions of dollars out across the board, leaving racing in Tasmania out of step with other states.

Labor is not going to make promises we can’t keep.

We know there’s not an infinite amount of money that can be spent supporting racing.

But we are genuine when we tell the industry we care about the people who depend on it for a living and won’t desert them.

We need stakes money that is competitive with racing of the same level in other states, we need tracks that we can depend on and we need a government that is serious about the future of the industry.