A draft plan to phase out greyhound racing in Tasmania by 2029 has been released by the state government.
And the government wasted no time in attacking the Opposition over its stance.
The Draft Greyhound Racing Transition Plan maps out the end of greyhound racing by June 30, 2029.
(New Zealand has phased out greyhound racing with some dogs moved to Australia to continue racing; click here for that story.)
Racing Minister Roger Jaensch says the transition plan is part of a Bill now before the Legislative Council that will shut down the industry.
“Our government is delivering a sensible and measured phase-out of greyhound racing which has participant and animal welfare at its core,” he says.
DRAFT PLAN ‘IN LIMBO’
“With the Bill before parliament, the draft plan cannot be finalised until the Bill has been passed.”
The Bill already passed the lower House; click here for the story.
Jaensch says government officials are briefing all MLCs (members of the Legislative Council) by sharing the draft plan’s details with them.
He says progress is also continuing on a voluntary exit scheme to support those wanting to leave the industry by the end of December.
“The scheme will provide immediate support for greyhound racing participants who wish to exit the industry by December 31, 2026, while work continues on the long-term transition,” Jaensch says.
Expressions of Interest for the scheme remain open; those wanting to take part can contact the Office of the Tasmanian Racing Integrity Commissioner at greyhoundtransition@racingintegrity.tas.gov.au.
LABOR ATTACKED ON STANCE
Opposition Leader Dean Winter supports moves to keep the industry going, showing his support for SA dogs racing; click here for that story.
Government Whip Marcus Vermey says “it has become clear Labor will not stand up for animal welfare”.
“Government has a plan to end greyhound racing by 2029. The plan shows that for every Labor delay, dogs costs rise and animals suffer,” he says.
“Labor is the only thing standing in the way of a measured, sensible phaseout of greyhound racing in Tasmania.”
