Labor pledges racing review if it takes reins
LABOR will conduct a comprehensive independent review of racing in Tasmania if it is victorious at the State Election — in order to raise prize money back to what it used to be.
Racing spokesman Scott Bacon told the Mercury that the review would be conducted in the first year of a majority Labor government and would cover the role and functions of Tasracing, the state of Tasmania’s racing infrastructure and the capacity to fund improved facilities, the future role of racing clubs, the options for ensuring the current level of stake money is maintained in real terms and the development of policies to boost the local breeding industry.
Mr Bacon also said the review would cover the recom- mendations presented to the State Government by the Minister’s Working Group — which the Mercury revealed in 2015 the State Government went against when cutting prize money to allow Tasracing to close its $3 million debt.
“A Labor government would revisit those recommendations in the context of commissioning a thorough and independent review of Tasmania’s racing industry,” he said. “The review would be a warts-andall look at the state of racing in Tasmania with a view to improving its sustainability and creating secure full-time jobs in the industry.’’
Because of the state’s poor level of stakes on offer relative to the rest of the country, key figures such as J. O’Neill — a major horse racing syndicator — has reduced his involvement in Tasmania while leading thoroughbred trainer Scott Brunton said he was considering a move to South Australia because of the poor state of racetracks.
Mr Bacon said this would be all looked at.
“It’s been a tough four years for racing in Tasmania after the Liberals reneged on an election promise and instead of increasing stake money, initially cut-
ting stakes by a massive 13 per cent across the codes,” he said.
“It’s Labor’s intention to fund a sustainable way to restore the funding deed broken by the Liberals.
“That decision left racing on the back foot, struggling to reasonably compete with racing interstate.
“And infrastructure challenges, including the Hobart track, have tested the industry’s resilience and highlighted workplace safety concerns.”
Mr Bacon said Labor would also immediately introduce a 15 per cent point-of-consumption tax on wagering revenue of companies offering betting services to Tasmania — based on what South Australia did in July 2017.
He said that it would raise between $3 million and $10 million each year.
Meanwhile Labor leader Rebecca White said her party would provide a $750,000 funding commitment over three-years to the Community Men’s Shed to give ongoing support if Labor wins majority government on Saturday.
“They are wonderful places for people to come together ... and have been growing at a rapid rate across Tasmania,” she said.