GREENS backbencher Jo Clay today (August 29) confronted Chief Minister Andrew Barr in Estimates questioning the Budget decision to provide $41 million to the horseracing industry.

“The ACT Greens have clearly stated our opposition to public funding for the horseracing industry and we know that the majority of the Canberra community feels the same,” said Clay, ACT Greens spokesperson for animal welfare.

“The horseracing industry has spoken a lot about how much revenue the Point of Consumption Tax the ACT horseracing industry generates towards the ACT Budget bottom line.

“However, I asked the Treasurer today in Estimates if this tax on ACT horseracing generates less than $250,000 a year. He confirmed this and agreed that it was not a strong reason to provide an $8 million public subsidy.

“We welcome the transparency of this latest MOU which has been made public for the first time. But we do not support $41m of taxpayer money being handed over to the horseracing industry, especially when we are dealing with covid, climate change and homelessness.

“A budget is about priorities and delivering in line with the public interest. At a time like this, how does the horseracing industry add up to $41 million of priority for the ACT taxpayer?

“The ACT horseracing industry is still being funded year after year by the ACT taxpayer. Thoroughbred Park currently receives half of its operating revenue from the ACT government. It is clearly not in the public interest to provide this taxpayer subsidy. It’s time to transition out. Giving $41 million to the horseracing industry is simply not in line with community expectations.”

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