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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2007-10-25 Daily Xml
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HORSERACING

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:55): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Minister for Racing, a question about racing in South Australia.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Mr President, you would be aware that recently in The Advertiser a leading trainer, David Hayes, commented that South Australia is the most unhealthy racing state in Australia. To further compound this, the opposition recently learned that industry revenue generated by wagering racing in the eastern states has dropped by somewhere in the vicinity of $1 million due to the effects of equine influenza. Whilst this is occurring, the cost to racing clubs in South Australia to combat the virus is rising. Vaccinations are underway, and we are advised that it costs approximately $20 to administer a vaccination to racing and breeding stock, of which there are around 6,500. This must be done twice and, following that, vaccination has to be ongoing. On top of this, there are veterinary costs of somewhere between $50 and $120 to administer each vaccination, so you are looking at an incredible amount of money. We are also advised that the industry could not cope with cuts to prize money, and this takes us back to the comments made by Mr Hayes.

Following the Bentley report into racing, the minister talked about wagering tax reforms that would greatly benefit racing. It was said that a figure in the vicinity of $7 million would be returned annually to the racing industry once the reforms were adopted. Nothing has happened, and the industry sorely needs assistance. The opposition understands that a once-off grant of around $3 million is required to alleviate the current crisis. My question is: will the minister commit either to doing this or to fast-tracking the tax reforms which he previously promised but which he has to date failed to deliver?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Police, Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning) (14:57): I will refer that question to my colleague the Minister for Racing and bring back a reply.

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