Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
You accepted the reality of public opinion turning against greyhound racing and made the humane choice to ban greyhound racing from 30 June 2029. You listen to the community, 74 per cent of whom according to EMRS polls, oppose this brutal industry.
Since your decision in July, Tasmanian industry participants have been played and strung along by mainland heavyweights afraid of the domino effect in other states, enabled by Labor. Let’s get on with delivering your promise and give certainty not only to the majority of Tasmanians who oppose greyhound racing, but to the industry participants who should know that you are serious. There is no reason for delay. Will you commit to legislation ending greyhound racing in 2029 being tabled in this House this year?
Mr Winter – The Greens are asking Dorothy Dixers now. What is this place?
The SPEAKER – The honourable Premier is the only one to be speaking for the next three minutes please.
Mr Winter – I thought you banned Dorothy Dixers?
The SPEAKER – Honourable member for Franklin, you can ask a question if you want to this morning. I ask the Premier to be heard in silence.
ANSWER
Thank you, this is a cooperative parliament. Honourable Speaker, I thank the honourable member for the question We are working with the Racing Integrity Commissioner when it comes to implementing this policy. I have been asked a few times over the last week, given the mainland industry interest in Tasmania and their expectation that we will roll back this policy, and I have said we won’t. Greyhound racing will end in 2029, not just the funding, but the industry. I accept the industry’s disappointment and, no doubt, anger at that decision. I get that fully. However, it is a diminishing industry, it’s an industry –
Mr Winter – Outrageous. It is not a diminishing industry.
Mr ROCKLIFF – It is. We have a deed that will expire in 2029.
Mr Winter – It’s only diminished because you’re killing it.
The SPEAKER – Mr Winter, I will have to give you a warning if you keep interjecting.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I will have to take your question on legislation on notice because I –
Ms Finlay – You just want to have the front of doing things but not actually do them. That’s what is happening across all industries.
The SPEAKER – I will have to give the honourable Deputy Leader of the Opposition a warning too if she keeps on interrupting.
Mr ROCKLIFF – Sorry, I missed that.
The SPEAKER – Don’t worry about it.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I can’t give a commitment this year. I will take that on notice and it will be done as soon as practicable. We are seeking the advice about this with the Racing Integrity Commissioner. We need to do this in a very measured way that acknowledges the participants and, indeed, the welfare of the animals themselves.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr WOODRUFF – A supplementary question, Speaker?
The SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary question.
Dr WOODRUFF – I thank the Premier for his response. In relation to my question about greyhound racing legislation being tabled this year, in the Premier’s response he indicated it was complicated and it was coming. Could he give an indication in the next sitting of parliament about when the timeframe for the legislation might be at that point?
The SPEAKER – That does arise from the answer.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I can provide an update for you. My belief is we are in the drafting process now, but I will take that on notice as well. I can provide a clear timeline for you before the next parliament, or even earlier, given the break of six or seven weeks.
Dr Woodruff – Thank you.
