The Tasmanian Government is taking action to make the necessary reforms to Greyhound Racing in Tasmania.
Following the 31 recommendations outlined by the Joint Select Committee on Greyhound Racing in Tasmania, we recently announced $230,000 funding for the appointment of a Regulatory Vet and a Stipendiary Steward.
The Tasmanian Government supports the local greyhound racing industry and the hundreds of Tasmanians it employs, and we are helping provide industry with the opportunity to make reforms.
Further action is underway and includes the allocation of funding for training, technology and Occupational Work Health and Safety.
This includes both on the job and formal training, including the upskilling and cross-skilling of casual stewards; Workplace Health and Safety measures including facility upgrades of some race-day control rooms, and job-specific training for full-time stewards.
It will also cover technology and racing software improvements such as smart phones and laptops for field staff to improve efficiencies and communication; and national racing software changes to reflect animal welfare requirements.
The Tasmanian Government is responding to all 31 recommendations and is already progressing a number of them.
These include:
A review of the legal framework underpinning the prohibition of live-baiting in Tasmania;
The development of an educational program for the industry;
The separation between the Office of Racing Integrity and Tasracing will be maintained;
All trial tracks, training tracks and bullrings will be registered with the Office of Racing Integrity;
The development of a framework to support a full rehoming strategy for retired greyhounds;
The maintenance of a comprehensive database for lifetime tracking of greyhounds at all stages of life;
The Government will establish standards and identify benchmarks for improving animal welfare outcomes to be reported in Tasracing’s annual report;
The Government is reviewing the differentiation of greyhounds with regard to muzzling under the Dog Control Act 2000;
A review of existing penalties and appeal provisions under the Racing Regulation Act 2004 to determine whether changes should be introduced, particularly pertaining to issues of animal welfare; and
Tasracing and the Office of Racing Integrity will review their current communication methods to effectively engage with industry participants to improve animal welfare.
A table outlining all of the recommendations with the Government’s intended actions will be placed on www.racing.tas.gov.au under the Office of Racing Integrity.