Tasmanian greyhound trainers, owners and workers will soon be able to apply for government compensation to leave the industry before it is shut down in 2029.
The interim support scheme, announced today, is designed to help participants exit now rather than wait for legislation that has stalled in parliament.
Racing Minister Jane Howlett said the package would offer financial assistance and practical help to move into new work, with the details to be settled with stakeholders over the coming weeks.
“We are developing a new support scheme to provide financial assistance and practical support for those participants who want to leave the industry now,” Howlett said.
The scheme is a stopgap and sits ahead of the Greyhound Racing Legislation Amendments (Phasing Out Reform) Bill, which sets June 30, 2029, as the closure date but has not yet passed.
Howlett acknowledged the limits of acting without that legislation in place.
“Without legislation, there is no formal transition framework and no long-term certainty,” she said.
“However, we will not stand still while that process continues.”
“This support scheme is an important interim step to help those who are ready to move on now.”
About 6,400 people work across Tasmania’s three racing codes, though only greyhound racing is being wound down.
Harness and thoroughbred racing are unaffected.
How much individual participants will receive remains unclear until the scheme is finalised.
Government funding for greyhound racing ends after June 30, 2029.
