Tasmanian Premier set to announce Greyhound Racing closure in 2029
TASMANIAN Premier Jeremy Rockliff is set to announce the closure of greyhound racing in the state from 2029, three weeks after committing to the 'longevity and sustainability' of the industry.
The move comes at a time of significant political upheaval in Tasmania where Rockliff's Liberal government needs to secure the support of crossbenchers after failing to win a majority at the recent state election.
Faced with the realisation of a vote of no confidence motion when parliament resumes, obtaining the support of independents staves off the prospect of a political calamity for the under-siege Premier.
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And it appears greyhound racing will become collateral damage in the politically charged landscape, with the proposed 2029 timeline coinciding with the expiration of the code's current funding deal.
The shock and devastation being felt by racing participants is heightened following the stern commitment Premier Rockliff delivered to greyhound officials – in writing – just three weeks ago.
In a letter addressed to Northwest Greyhound Club President Ben Englund on July 17, Rockliff said his government would 'continue to back Tasmania's racing community'.
'I have pleasure in responding on behalf of all Tasmanian Liberal candidates,' Rockliff said.
'I know that the racing community and more broadly the Tasmanian racing community want a racing industry that is fair, humane, and sustainable across all three codes, including greyhound racing.
'The Government is committed to supporting the longevity and sustainability of the industry which generates close to $208m in economic activity in Tasmania and involves more than 6400 people.
'Work has already started on developing a new racing industry funding deed to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the industry.
'I understand this is the industry's number one priority and I recognise the industry needs certainty and we will deliver that.'
Premier Jeremy Rockliff is set to withdraw his government's support for greyhound racing in Tasmania. Picture: Patrick Gee.
But less than a month after those emphatic comments, the Premier is poised to withdraw the government's funding support by 2029, essentially winding up the industry.
While the Premier's official line for the decision is yet to be made, it appears that safety and welfare concerns are unlikely, given the proposed 2029 closure date, four years from now.
Tasracing issued the following statement in response to the Greyhound Recorder's story.
'Tasracing notes the announcement by the Tasmanian Government that it intends to phase out greyhound racing by 30 June 2029,' a Tasracing spokesperson said.
'We will engage with all industry code (greyhounds, harness and thoroughbred) stakeholders and other stakeholders about the decision.
'Tasracing also notes the government's intention to establish a Parliamentary committee to assist with any transition out of the industry for greyhounds and greyhound industry participants.'Greyhounds Australasia urged the Tasmanian Government to reconsider the decision in a statement issued on Sunday.
'Closing greyhound racing will have serious, real-life consequences for more than a thousand people involved in racing – decent, hardworking people who take good care of greyhounds,' it read.
'This is a disappointing move that does not reflect the continual progress being made by the industry to address animal welfare concerns and improve racing safety. Progress that presents a sustainable future for the greyhound industry in Tasmania
'We will continue to advocate for the future of racing in Tasmania and are committed in seeking engagement with the Tasmanian Government ahead of the proposed transition.'
Originally published as Tassie Premier to shut down greyhound racing by 2029
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