Tasmania’s premier says ending greyhound racing by mid-2029 is “the right thing to do”, even if it risks his minority government.
Speaking after his cabinet was sworn in on Monday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff stood by the policy after new Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Carlo Di Falco said he would not back the Liberals unless they scrapped it.
“The greyhound racing industry is in decline. It’s at a crossroads and it no longer meets community expectations,” Rockliff said.
“That’s why we drew a line in the sand in our announcement yesterday and that’s being upfront and honest with the Tasmanian community.”
Rockliff said the phase-out would be “sensible and measured” and include a parliamentary committee to help the industry through the transition.
He compared the design to another tough call – signing on to the Marinus Link deal.
“I was asked a similar question around Marinus: ‘Will our support for Marinus end an opportunity to be in government and for me to be premier?’ Well, I said then, it may well.”
“The greyhound announcement may well. But can I say this? You’ll always know where I stand on issues – courage of our convictions – of course.”
Rockliff also took a swipe at Labor leader Dean Winter, who said the decision to end the industry without meaningful consultation was wrong.
“The simple fact is that Mr Winter is still sitting on the fence on this issue … and next week, should Mr Winter become Premier, the greyhound racing industry will continue,” Rockliff said.
Rockliff remains confident Di Falco, whose support could keep him in power, can be brought back onside.
“These are matters that will be debated in parliament. And should Carlo not support phasing out of greyhounds by 2029, then that’s up to Carlo. We’ll debate each issue on its merits,” he said.
