Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
Racing Minister Madeleine Ogilvie must initiate an immediate, independent investigation into allegations of race fixing and animal cruelty by harness trainer Ben Yole.
The ABC has this morning reported a number of shocking allegations made about Mr Yole by people inside the racing industry. In many cases it's claimed the Office of Racing Integrity has failed to respond with even the most basic of actions.
It’s clear TasRacing and the Office of Racing Integrity are either captured or too afraid to take on the State’s biggest harness race trainer.
These extremely serious allegations must be taken out of their hands and thoroughly, independently investigated. That is the only way Tasmanians can have any confidence these issues are being examined with the rigour and impartiality they deserve.
Madeleine Ogilvie needs to immediately open an independent investigation into this matter. She also needs to explain why for months she's refused to act on concerns about cheating and animal cruelty in the racing industry.
Both animal welfare advocates and industry participants have been sounding the alarm about the serious problems in racing, but the Minister hasn't lifted a finger.
This is what you get when you have a Minister whose only apparent interest is in photo opportunities and fashions on the field.