Dr WOODRUFF – Minister, I’d like you to explain to the committee why it is that you can’t make a government policy position that whips and other instruments, that have been found to inflict cruelty and suffering, can’t be used? Why there can’t be a government policy about that; and why there can’t be a government policy to have full‑life tracing of horses as well as greyhounds which currently exists?
Ms HOWLETT – As far as traceability, we are working on a national code for traceability for the industry. As far as whips are concerned, that’s a matter for Tasracing as to whether they were to introduce a local rule or not. You can see where you have jockeys moving from various jurisdictions to race at various meets it could become a little confusing as to what’s legally allowed in one jurisdiction to another. That is something you could ask Tasracing at the GBE hearings, if they are prepared to develop a local rule, or not, as far as whip use is concerned. What I will say is since 2017, the use of the whip has certainly decreased significantly.
Dr WOODRUFF – On traceability, what is your plan? I am not sure when the ABC exposé on the horrific treatment of horses being basically shunted off to abattoirs, killed for pet food – it was horrific. Cassy O’Connor then asked you about traceability and you said the work is going on nationally. Nothing’s happened. I think that was five years ago; still nothing’s happening –
Ms HOWLETT – Yes. It’s been incredibly slow.
Dr WOODRUFF – but meanwhile this year in Tasmania 62 horses, thoroughbred, standard breds, were euthanised. We don’t know why. Owners are allowed to kill racing horses without any explanation. Yet for racing greyhounds, they’re not allowed to do that; why do we have a different standard for horses than we do for greyhounds?
Ms HOWLETT – That’s where we’re lifting the bar higher and the work on the traceability is being conducted by TasRacing, I believe. Commissioner?
Mr CARROLL – As I’ve said before, the issue of animal welfare and traceability is certainly a priority. We will assess the issue of animal traceability and animal welfare in a standard that will be developed by my office. Whilst I’m certainly not trying to evade the question, I can’t comment on the issues that occurred prior to my arrival in my particular role. What I can say is that the concerns that you have are ones that we will take notice of.
I invite your office to make an appointment to discuss those issues further with my office. I think there’s a a longer discussion that needs to take place outside of this committee regarding the traceability of horses. It’s one that I had with various groups as the Victorian commissioner and certainly would, as I said, encourage you to have those further discussions with me at a later date.
Dr WOODRUFF – We will do that. Thank you.
