Elise Archer says animal welfare concerns should see greyhound racing phased out
Polling has shown Tasmanians are opposed to public funding of the greyhound industry. The former racing minister who wants funding phased out and why.
Tasmania
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A former Liberal Racing Minister wants greyhound racing phased out with an exit package for those working in the industry.
Elise Archer, who is running as in independent in Clark at Saturday’s election responded to a survey of parties and candidates from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds who are seeking an end to public funding for greyhound racing.
“Given greyhound racing is not self-sustaining and the concerns around animal welfare, with the funding deed due to expire in 2029, there is an opportunity for the Government to phase out this code with an appropriate exit package for those employed in the industry,” she said.
“In addition to the financial concerns given the state of the Tasmanian budget, like most people, I’ve always had animal welfare concerns.
“What we’ve seen with recent examples, those concerns are also justified.
“Therefore, working towards phasing out with an exit package would seem to now be justified.”
Coalition president Amy MacMahon welcomed Ms Archer’s support and said she sits alongside the Greens and several independent candidates who have publicly declared their opposition to public funding of greyhound racing.
“That even former Liberal Racing Minister Elise Archer is publicly calling out the industry she once oversaw tells you just how toxic and unsustainable greyhound racing is in Tasmania,” Ms MacMahon said.
“Now it’s time for Labor, the Liberals and all other independents to step up and do the same: join these independents and the Greens in pledging an ending to the millions in public money wasted on greyhound racing.
“We know that the majority of Tasmanians oppose the animal cruelty, the lack of transparency, and the millions of dollars wasted in propping up a dying industry – $74.6m in the last 15 years.”
“Greyhound racing kept alive by political inertia and vested interests from the gambling sector and this election is a chance to change that”.
A 20-year funding deed for Tasmania’s three racing codes, including greyhound racing, is due to expire in 2029.
The Coalition was formed four years ago and includes RSPCA Tasmania, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs.
Its website has Labor supporting continued funding for greyhound racing with the Liberals and Nationals not committing to ending funding.
Other independents wanting an end to greyhound racing include Kristy Johnston, Peter George, Jack Davenport, Craig Garland, Claudia Baldock, Adam Martin and Dr Angela Offord.
Ms MacMahon said Tasmanians should know whether candidates supported “animal welfare and fiscal responsibility, or whether they’re still willing to funnel public money into a wasteful industry built on suffering”.
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