Arabic version: تسمانيا تسعى إلى دعم لحظر سباقات الكلاب السلوقية

According to ABC News, Tasmania’s government is continuing efforts to legislate a ban on greyhound racing, with Racing Minister Roger Jaensch working to address questions from Legislative Council members. The government deferred debate on the bill in April when it appeared likely to be defeated.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government would end greyhound racing in Tasmania. The bill has confirmed support from the three government MLCs, Greens member Cassy O’Connor, independent Meg Webb and newly elected independent Clare Glade-Wright, giving it six of the eight votes needed to pass. Labor opposes the ban, and the government would need support from at least two other independents.

A parliamentary committee is undertaking further work requested by Mr Rockliff, including examining phase-out approaches elsewhere, the financial, economic and animal-welfare effects in Tasmania, and the future of the Tasmanian racing deed. The committee had previously recommended the bill pass with amendments, although Labor’s Dean Winter and independent Tania Rattray signed dissenting statements. Its work is expected to finish by October.

While legislation remains stalled, the government is developing a voluntary exit scheme for participants who leave the industry by the end of the year. Racing Integrity Commissioner Sean Carroll said his office had received 13 submissions seeking information or expressing interest. The government has budgeted $4.6 million for greyhound racing transition over four years, while Mr Winter questioned the potential cost. Mr Rockliff said figures advanced by the national industry and Mr Winter were “fanciful”.