Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party MLC Robert Borsak welcomed the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel’s report to the Government, but warned that the it must not lead to the industry’s decline financially.

“What’s clear from the past few years is that the Government’s response to the greyhound racing industry has not been up to scratch,” Mr Borsak said.

“As a sign that there is a way forward for the greyhound racing industry, this report is welcome – but what we don’t want to see is a slow death by regulations that the industry and participants cannot afford.

“Paying for the measures in this report must be the chief concern of the Government.

“The main issues of finance are the same as what I covered in the Parliamentary inquiry I chaired into greyhound racing in 2013 and 2014.

“Tax harmonisation and a fairer intercode agreement between greyhound racing, harness racing and thoroughbreds is what’s needed.

“Currently greyhound racing has 21.7 per cent of the market share and only receives about 13 per cent of the revenue under the intercode agreement. For any industry, that’s unsustainable.

“If the greyhound racing industry is to continue with the recommendations of this report adopted, it’s needs adequate finance that covers its current needs and allows for future growth of the industry.

“The Government must stop pandering to thoroughbred racing and work towards a fairer intercode agreement. 

“I’ve seen reports that the thoroughbred industry has been assured that the intercode agreement won’t be touched: that’s not good enough.

“Stop treating greyhound racing like the poor-cousin of other codes and running a protection racket for horse racing.”

Download Robert Brosak's press release.