Dr WOODRUFF question to MINISTER for RACING, Ms HOWLETT
Tasmanians were shocked by the Office of Racing Integrity’s decision to reinstate harness racer Ben Yole’s licence despite the active investigation into allegations of his race fixing, team driving and animal abuse. It is great that a panel is doing an investigation, but the point is that it is shocking he has started racing again while the investigation is ongoing. That independent report, as you said, is going to be handed down, which includes the other people who are under investigation. We want to know if you think it is an acceptable decision to go ahead of the finding of an investigation?
How has it happened, after all the assurances that you have made in this House about cleaning up the industry? Is this not the latest example of why you oppose the Greens move to make the industry be humane under your new racing laws?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the Leader of the Greens for her question. Licensing matters are dealt with by the Director of Racing, but the facts here are important. Contrary to some media reports, the licence held by Ben Yole was never suspended. You cannot reinstate a licence that has not been suspended.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – Members on my left, we want to hear the answer to this question. That is both the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Greens.
Ms HOWLETT – Tasracing issued a warning off notice to Mr Yole which prevented him from undertaking any activities of a licence holder but did not suspend his licence. The Tasmanian Racing Appeals Board overturned Tasracing’s decision to warn off Mr Yole on 6 June 2024.
Licensed participants in racing need to renew their licence annually. Like a car driver’s licence, a harness trainer’s licence is only valid for one year, 1 September to 31 August. Mr Yole applied for a licence renewal on 22 July 2024. His licence was renewed by the Director of Racing on 30 July 2024. The Independent Stewards Panel are meeting this week to conduct further inquiries into the allegations in the Murrihy Report. Their investigation is continuing.
I acknowledge the diligence of the independent stewards and the brave individuals that have come forward during this investigation. It has been a very difficult time. I am looking forward to the panel handing down their final report soon.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr WOODRUFF – A supplementary question, Speaker?
The SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary question.
Dr WOODRUFF – Can you confirm that the example of what is ongoing is one of the reasons why she refuses to support the Greens move to make the industry be humane and the racing industry to actually look after animals?
The SPEAKER – I draw the minister to the final part of that question.
Dr Woodruff – Because if you had, this stuff could not happen.
The SPEAKER – Before she starts, I will remind the Leader of the Greens not to interject.
Ms HOWLETT – The Leader of the Greens voted down the new legislation. This is the biggest legislative reform in racing’s history and we look forward to getting on with the job and putting this legislation into place. She voted the legislation down.
Dr Woodruff – Yes, because it will not protect animals.
