Tasmanian racing stakeholder representatives met at Ross on Wednesday January 21 to discuss the formation of a proposed Tasmanian Racing Advisory Committee, to consult with the newly formed Tasmanian Racing Board on thoroughbred racing industry issues.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Owners, Breeders and Jockeys Associations as well as the Tasmanian ATA who were represented by President Walter McShane and Committee members Ian Hay and Graeme McCulloch.
The meeting discussed several aspects relating to the proposed formation of a Tasmanian Racing Advisory Committee, including the structure of such a Committee, its membership and representation, operational issues, potential funding and administration. It also identified major issues facing the Tasmanian Racing Industry.
The Tasmanian ATA will further discuss these issues at its next meeting prior to making a decision on membership of this Advisory Committee.
The meeting resolved to seek a meeting with the new Tasmanian Racing Board on Friday January 30 at which a four member delegation from the four stakeholder groups would raise what was unanimously agreed upon as the major issues facing Tasmanian racing and requiring urgent and constructive resolution. These issues are:
The future funding of the Tasmanian racing industry and prize money levels
The sale of Tote Tasmania’s wagering arm
Race dates, race programming and the racing calendar
The governance structure of the Tasmanian Racing Board and representation on the Board
Skills shortages
The Tasmanian ATA is of the firm view that these are critical issues which MUST be addressed by the new Board as a matter of priority. In particular, the sale of Tote Tasmania’s wagering arm raised serious and united concerns at the meeting. The Tasmanian ATA does not believe that the verbal assurances from the Racing Minister are adequate or acceptable. The funding and revenue guarantees MUST be written into the legislative agreements to assure stakeholders that Tasmanian thoroughbred racing continues to operate as a viable and financially sound industry.
