Racing Minister faces ‘resign in shame’ calls over trots scandal, parliament hears

Attempts to move a no-confidence motion on Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie have failed in state parliament. LATEST >

Minister for Racing Madeleine Ogilvie. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Update 11:58AM: Attempts to move a no-confidence motion in Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie have failed in state parliament.

The Labor motion tied 11-all after it was supported by the Greens, member for Franklin David O’Byrne and independent Kristie Johnston.

Speaker Mark Shelton used his casting vote to defeat the motion.

Labor leader Rebecca White pointed out that the government is in danger of losing a vote of no-confidence due to the absense of minister Nic Street, who is unwell.

It was only Labor’s commitment to the Westminster convention of a “pair” that was saving the government from falling, she told Parliement.

Debate on the motion included government ministers withdrawing remarks describing opposition members as “cockroaches” and “dickheads”.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor has now moved a motion of no confidence in Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

EARLIER: ‘Resign in shame’: Minister faces calls for resignation

Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie has faced repeated calls in parliament to resign, after claims she mishandled complaints of race fixing and animal cruelty in harness racing

Ms Ogilvie announced an independent inquiry into the claims on Monday.

In state parliament on Tuesday, Opposition leader Rebecca White asked Premier Jeremy Rockliff whether he would back his minister – or stand with those raising serious concerns about race-fixing and the mistreatment of animals.

In question time on Tuesday, Mr Rockliff said probity and integrity were vital to the future sustainability of Tasmania’s racing industry.

“We will not compromise on integrity or on animal welfare, which is why our minister has led reforms in the racing industry,” Mr Rockliff said.

Minister for Racing Madeleine Ogilvie. Question time in the Tasmanian Parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Where there is a need to improve, as I have demonstrated by my record, we will do it.

Ms White said a whistleblower who has raised serious animal welfare concerns had instead been stood down from involvement in the harness racing industry.

Labor Racing spokesman Dean Winter raised claims a female racing industry figure faced death threats and had to be escorted from a racetrack.

Mr Rockliff said he encouraged people to speak out if they had concerns.

“I want to ensure when there have been failures in the racing industry, they are acknowledged and they are acted upon,” he said.

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said Ms Ogilvie had been contacted about animal welfare and race fixing on multiple occasions and hadn’t responded. Nor had the Office of Racing Integrity.

She also raised concerns the Office of Racing Integrity had been compromised, saying a complaint to the office had subsequently received anonymous threats.

“And yet you say the industry has never been in better shape,” she said.

On your watch this look like state sanctioned and subsidised cheating, industrial scale animal cruelty and potentially corruption,” she said.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff listens to Minister for Racing Madeleine Ogilvie speak. Question time in the Tasmanian Parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Minister, why haven’t you resigned in shame?”

Ms Ogilvie said she had always acted appropriately.

“All credible concerns have been referred to the appropriate authorities for investigation,” she said.

“My responses have always been timely, targeted and appropriate.

“My position and the government’s position is clear: we will not comprise on integrity or animal welfare.

Ms Ogilvie said she had asked for an immediate departmental review of information contained in media reports on the industry.

Member for Clark Kristie Johnston said concerns she raised in parliament about a racehorse being beaten with a PVC pipe had taken months to resolve and a “slap on the wrist” for those involved.

“Minister, this is happening on your watch and the buck stops with you. Will you resign and let someone else take your place who is a competent racing Minister?,” she said.