Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Animal Welfare spokesperson
The Sykes Report into animal welfare in thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing is another damning indictment on the industry.
The 83 recommendations are an admission the Liberals are failing on animal welfare in the racing industry.
Racing Minister, Madeleine Ogilvie, must table the government's response to the Sykes Report as a matter of urgency. This is an industry where cruelty is subsidised by tens of millions of taxpayer dollars - Tasmanians deserve a response.
Many of the recommendations surround issues the Greens have raised. including traceability, whips, transparency, vets at tracks and input from welfare groups and rehoming organisations.
It remains our view, however, TasRacing can't be allowed to police themselves. Animal welfare is too serious, and independent oversight is critical.
If the Office of Racing Integrity was truly independent and not driven by government policy, many of the report recommendations wouldn’t be necessary.
No clearer example of ORI's oversight failure was their decision to allow greyhound trainer, Anthony Bullock to continue training and racing 100 dogs without a kennel licence.
If the Liberals remain committed to backing this unpopular, outdated industry, we urge the them to pursue every welfare reform to mitigate cruelty.