Racing needs a solution

THE racing industry is getting desperate over what it claims is an unfair handicap.

Queenslander jockeys, trainers and breeders were prepared to take strike action during meetings held in conjunction with the Melbourne spring racing carnival to get their point across to the State Government.

The industry wants a resolution to its dispute with the State Government over a new betting tax.

However, the industry stepped back from the action, for now, after a meeting with the Government last week.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad welcomed the decision saying it was in the best interests of all concerned.

The tax would see betting organisations with headquarters overseas or interstate forced to pay 15 per cent tax on all bets placed in Queensland.

In New South Wales the tax is 10 per cent and 8 per cent in Victoria. Both those state return a portion of the taxes collected back to the racing industry.

The Queensland industry wants a similar commitment in Queensland with money used to boost prizemoney for thoroughbred racing, which it claims is lagging behind that offered in NSW and Victoria.

The Government is defending its move, saying it already invests large amounts into the racing industry while offering new greyhound and harness racing tracks worth $ 20 million funded by the tax.

The Opposition used the Bowen Cup meeting on the weekend to throw its support behind the racing industry.

Local MP Dale Last and Opposition racing spokesman John- Paul Langbroek were at the meeting and warned similar country events would struggle to survive if the tax was implemented.

As both politicians pointed out, country race meetings are major events for their communities.

They not only provide a boost to their local economies, they act as huge social occasions, providing a rare opportunity to bring people together.

Last week’s decision by the industry to step back from the brink of strike action was a positive move.

It shows that those involved are serious about finding a solution that satisfies all parties.

It will now be up to the Government to continue to work closely with racing industry stakeholders and find a solution which ensures the viability of racing across the state well into the future.