Tasracing issued a media release this week following a detailed and thorough analysis of the report (Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in New South Wales) that led to the shut down of the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales.
It revealed a very positive story for the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry.
Our research found that 84 per cent of the report’s 79 recommendations (made if the industry was to continue to operate) have already been addressed in Tasmania (66 per cent) or will be addressed in the state (18 per cent).
Of the rest, 11 per cent were specifically related to NSW legislation only, and five per cent were not deemed appropriate for Tasmania.
From the outset, Tasracing has said it was unfair to draw comparisons between the industry in NSW and in Tasmania because they are very different in terms of size and scope.
Not only do we stand by that statement today, but our review of the report confirmed this to be absolutely the case.
The industry in Tasmania is well regulated and well policed by the Office of Racing Integrity stewards. Anyone doing the wrong thing is quickly discovered and removed.
The Tasmanian industry has benefited from a number of reforms over the past five years, with animal welfare issues a significant consideration.
These include the abolition of breeding incentives, the introduction of strict guidelines for breeding females and mandatory education units for licensed participants. Tasracing has also introduced masters racing for older greyhounds and pathways racing for greyhounds of all abilities.
But regardless of the differences between the industry in NSW and Tasmania, and the steps we have already taken, Tasracing and the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry are committed to transparency and reporting on industry performance going forward.
Mark Tarring
Interim CEO
Tasracing