Premier's Plate

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister inform the council about the recent winner of the Premier's Plate at the Premier's Plate ladies' race day at Morphettville racecourse?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his question. It was a pleasure to join many from the thoroughbred racing community at the recent Premier's Plate Women in Sports day. I believe a number of our members from this chamber were there: the Hon. Heidi Girolamo and the Hon. Ben Hood.

With over 4,000 individuals employed and approximately $500 million injected into South Australia's economy, the racing industry is vital and our government is proud to support it. We know that racing fosters a connection between people from all walks of life, building a sense of belonging for many and connecting communities together. I understand the industry in South Australia is made up of about 8,200 participants, volunteers and employees, and sustains around 3,400 full-time equivalent jobs across direct and indirect employment.

For those who were not able to make it to the meet that day, it was apprentice jockey Alana Livesey who won the Premier's Plate aboard Wild Imagination, who had been trained by David Page. Alana is part of the world-class Apprentice Academy SA, run by Racing SA, which provides aspiring jockeys with education and training. Ruby Mayers is the Apprentice Academy talent manager and it is run by no other than the great Clare Lindop, who is the training and development officer at Racing SA.

The Apprentice Academy SA currently trains 22 apprentices; 10 of these are metro-licensed apprentices. Last week, I had the pleasure of having an early morning tour of the Morphettville racecourse along with Nick Bawden, CEO of Racing SA, as well as Ruby and, of course, Clare. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to walk into the racecourse to observe track work under the guidance of the jockeys and the track work riders, including the recent winner, Alana. It was a pleasure also to walk through the stables and meet many of the members of the team who are up before the sun to help prepare the horses and their riders.

Once again, I thank the Racing SA team, and in particular Clare, Ruby and Nick for their time, and I again congratulate apprentice jockey Alana and trainer David Page on their recent win.