In a statement, the State Government cited concerns about animal welfare and a decline in viewership, saying “it’s time to draw a line in the sand”.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said a parliamentary committee will be established to “oversee the transition and responsibly map out the pathway forward.”
Racing industry
In Tasmania, greyhound and horse racing events are operated by state-owned company Tasracing. Tasracing says the industry’s “economic contribution to the state is growing”.
In an independent report this year, economist Saul Eslake said the racing industry’s “‘contributions’ are actually quite small,” amounting to 0.2% of the state’s GDP and jobs.
Eslake’s report found attendance and betting at racing events had fallen over time.
Ban
Rockliff announced on Sunday that the state will phase out greyhound racing by 30 June 2029.
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In a post to Facebook, Rockliff said animal welfare and declining participation in the sport contributed to the Government’s decision.
Rockliff wrote: “I know there are many participants in the industry who care for their animals who will be extremely disappointed by this decision.”
He also said the Government will establish a parliamentary committee during the phase out to “responsibly map out the pathway forward.”
The phase out follows both the ACT and New Zealand’s decisions to ban greyhound racing.
Response
Greens MP Cassy O’Connor said: “The real celebrations will start the day these beautiful, gentle animals are finally just free to be happy dogs.”
RSPCA Tasmania urged other governments to “treat this moment as a turning point… to speak in favour of ending greyhound racing once and for all.”
Tasracing said they will collaborate with other members of the industry following the Government’s phase out.
