Tuesday, 10 September 2024

Horseracing

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:33): (658) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Racing. Racing Victoria collects approximately $5.8 million a year from revenue raised from the 2 per cent levy on prize money. This amount is intended to be used for the rehabilitation and rehoming of ex-racehorses, but countless industry participants and rehomers tell us this is simply not the case. Can the minister explain exactly how this money has been spent to benefit racehorses?

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:34): I thank Ms Purcell for her interest in this matter. I will make sure that that is passed on to the Minister for Racing in the other place and that he responds in writing according to the standing orders.

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:34): Thank you, Minister, for referring that on. Time and time again the industry has proven it cannot be trusted to ensure the welfare of horses that exit the racing industry. In 2019, after a two-year investigation, the mass slaughter of horses deemed no longer useful for racing or breeding was first exposed, yet nothing has been done to prevent the overbreeding and neglect of Victorian racehorses. Will the government intervene to implement a legislated retirement plan for racing horses, to be overseen by an independent statutory body?

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:35): I wish to thank Ms Purcell for her supplementary question. I will make sure I seek a written response from the Minister for Racing in the other place in line with the standing orders.