Independent candidate Peter George joins calls for end to taxpayer-funded greyhound racing

Franklin candidate Peter George has joined two prominent independent MPs in calls to end taxpayer-funded greyhound racing. Why they’re joining forces.

Independent candidate for Franklin Peter George, Kristie Johnston, member for Clark and recently re-elected Meg Webb MLC for Nelson Picture: Linda Higginson

Franklin candidate Peter George says he would be “honoured” to work alongside independents Kristie Johnston and Meg Webb to put an end to greyhound racing if elected at next month’s state election after enjoying a strong show of support while campaigning in Kingston on Sunday.

The independent candidate and former journalist said he had shared welfare concerns about the sport for more than fifty years, and urged the incoming government to heed the findings of independent economic Saul Eslake’s damning review into the sport.

“I was a young reporter in the 1960s and 70s and covered greyhound racing and the truth of the matter is, there were welfare concerns (then) and there are welfare concerns today,” he said.

“The government’s got to stop pouring money into a racing industry that most Tasmanians do not support and will be appalled by when we’ve got a budget black hole.”

Independent candidate for Franklin Peter George, Kristie Johnston, member for Clark and recently re-elected Meg Webb MLC for Nelson Picture: Linda Higginson

Released in May, the Eslake review found despite receiving large amounts of government funding, the industry’s contribution to the local economy was “quite small”.

Ms Johnston said the report showed the industry was in “terminal decline”.

“We know the money going into the gambling and racing industries is not going into households to support families, health, housing and education,” she said.

“There are much better priorities where this money could be going.”

Dozens of supporters turned out for the campaign event, which Ms Johnston said was a sign more voters were backing independent candidates over the major parties – between which there was “no real difference”.

“They’re the same on almost every policy platform,” she said.

“We’re looking for independents and cross bench members to provide the voice of the community and real empowerment.”

Ms Webb said greyhound racing was an issue where “independents really show their value”.

“They’re not looking to grab power. They’re here to speak for the community,” she said.

Originally published as Independent candidate Peter George joins calls for end to taxpayer-funded greyhound racing