Giddy up: Victorian Racing Club membership a perk for state politicians
As punters prepare to descend on Flemington for the biggest week on the racing calendar, an analysis of parliament’s register of interests reveals many MPs have been gifted a Victorian Racing Club membership.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
All bar one of the Geelong region’s state political representatives accepted a complimentary membership to the prestigious Victorian Racing Club.
As punters prepare to descend on Flemington for the biggest week on the racing calendar, an analysis of parliament’s latest register of interests revealed many Victorian MPs listed the VRC membership in their declaration.
This included Darren Cheeseman, Christine Couzens, Ella George, Alison Marchant, Richard Riordan, Bev McArthur and Gayle Tierney.
Of the local MPs, only the Greens’ Sarah Mansfield did not list the parliamentary perk that has existed for many years.
The VRC declined to answer a series of questions that sought clarity on whether all MPs were offered the membership, as multiple sources suggested, and what level of membership was provided to those who accepted.
A spokeswoman said questions should be directed to each MP.
Dr Mansfield said she was not offered a VRC membership, which she attributed to her party’s policies that include ending all public funding for the racing industry.
“What memberships other MPs accept is up to them, but it’s my position that horse racing, and events like the Melbourne Cup, normalise gambling and perpetuate animal cruelty, and I have no interest in being part of that,” she said.
“It’s obviously in the VRC’s interests to get Victorian MPs onside, to garner support for an industry that is rapidly losing social licence, and in turn, spectators and sponsors.”
The Melbourne Cup carnival, overseen by the VRC, last year attracted 262,165 people over four days, well down on pre-Covid attendance figures.
Ms McArthur, a strong supporter of the racing industry, said she gratefully accepted the VRC membership.
She said the industry was important economically, while also providing “fantastic entertainment”.
“I have long supported races throughout the year and throughout Victoria, not just at Flemington in Cup Week,” Ms McArthur said.
“And in this regard, I am pleased the VRC membership encourages MPs to attend their local race days throughout the state, (and) I would encourage them all to attend, as I am so pleased to do.
“As my husband is a life member of the VRC, I am personally unlikely to use this membership to attend events during the Spring Carnival, but I am nonetheless grateful for the VRC’s invitation.
“I look forward to those MPs accepting hospitality at Flemington this week – and enjoying the terrific races – speaking out publicly in support of thoroughbred horse racing in Victoria.”
Mr Riordan, Ms George and Ms Couzens said they had not used their VRC membership despite accepting the gift.
“It was sent to me and still sits in the envelope,” Ms Couzens said.
Horse racing generates $4.7bn for the Victorian economy and is directly responsible for sustaining almost 35,000 full time equivalent jobs, according to the state government.
Premier Jacinta Allan and her deputy Ben Carroll both list the VRC membership on their register of interests.
More Coverage
Originally published as Giddy up: Victorian Racing Club membership a perk for state politicians
IN PICTURES: Deakin University 2025 graduation galleries
Deakin University students from various faculties are celebrating their graduations, with the School of humanities and social sciences the latest. SEE ALL THE PICTURES.
Enraged Corio grandad’s wild court outburst after guilty verdict
A jury handed down its verdict in the trial of a Corio grandfather accused of pretending to be a policeman to steal cash, cars and cannabis during a home invasion. And he was not happy.