Peter Gutwein must explain the glaring inconsistencies that could see the racing industry remain in limbo until at least June.
Shadow Minister for Racing, David O’Byrne, said the Premier had been unable to adequately explain why the racing industry has been completely shut down.
“The industry has been very proactive in putting forward a plan to resume racing safely which includes not having spectators and ensuring appropriate social distancing is in place.
“In other states racing has been allowed to continue throughout the shutdown period.
“Yet in Tasmania the racing industry has been treated with contempt.
“Peter Gutwein has spoken as if this is a hobby pursuit rather than an industry that supports the livelihoods of thousands of Tasmanians.
“The reasoning that racing brings people from regional areas to population centres is inconsistent with the fact building and construction has operated safely throughout this period, as have other industries like mining.
This combined with the fact that horses have been allowed to be moved around the state with no restrictions is contradictory and demonstrates a lack of consideration and understanding of what is actually happening on the ground.
“It is understood that public health only met with Tas Racing in the last day or so, despite the fact they put forward a plan for the safe resumption of racing weeks ago.
“Labor supports taking a cautious approach to reopening the economy but in this instance we don’t believe the Government has given due consideration to the safeguards that have been proposed to support the safe return of racing.
“If the current timeframe is not immediately reviewed, it is clear that more jobs will be lost and trainers and horses will leave the state, decimating the industry.”
David O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for Racing
