The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party has warned Premier Jeremy Rockliff it won’t back his minority government unless he scraps plans to ban greyhound racing.
New Lyons MP Carlo Di Falco delivered the ultimatum after Rockliff revealed on Sunday that the industry would be phased out by 2029, with government funding to end when the current agreement runs out.
The move appears to be part of a deal to shore up crossbench support for the shaky Liberal government.
“SFF will not support the premier in forming government unless he announces a full reversal of this decision. No ifs, no buts,” Di Falco said.
With a no-confidence motion looming when Parliament returns on August 19, Rockliff needs every crossbench vote he can muster.
The Liberals hold just 14 of 35 seats after last month’s election.
Di Falco slammed the decision as “nothing more than a backroom deal with animal rights extremists to cling to power” and said it struck at rural and regional communities.
“The greyhound racing industry is a proud and vital part of rural and regional Tasmania,” he said.
“It’s woven into our communities, our economy and our way of life.”
Recent EMRS polling shows 75% of Tasmanians oppose government funding for the industry.
Greyhound racing has been under increasing pressure following a damning economic report in May and the recent death of champion racer Raider’s Guide at the Launceston track.
Parliament resumes in eight days.
