By Bren O'Brien
Images courtesy Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
Federal politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and opposition leader Anthony Albanese, have backed the thoroughbred industry to resolve the welfare issues raised in recent media coverage.
High-profile politicians gathered at an annual function at Parliament House in Canberra this week, organised by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers.
The hot topic was of course the animal welfare issues raised in the report from ABC's 7:30 last Thursday, which has rocked the industry and prompted a strong reaction from the wider public.
While the reaction in Canberra was also one of shock, the general consensus from the gathering on Tuesday was that the thoroughbred industry would be given every support to ensure the right measures are taken to resolve the issues.
“No breeder, no jockey, no trainer, no self-respecting person in the racing industry would want to see horses end up that way,” Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals Leader and Riverina MP Michael McCormack said. “It’s just not the way racing does things.”
Mr McCormack said the overall impact of the racing industry across Australia was a positive one in both economic and social terms.
“Whether it’s a little dusty country race track out in the middle of nowhere, or whether it’s the Murrumbidgee Turf Club which is a magnificent facility in Wagga Wagga and everything in between,” he said.
“Well done to you breeders, you owners and everyone involved.
“This government will always back you every step of the way, I know I share bipartisanship when I say that.”
“This government will always back you every step of the way, I know I share bipartisanship when I say that.” - Michael McCormack
Mr Albanese backed up McCormack's statement, saying he had every confidence that the thoroughbred industry would do what it takes to make the necessary changes.
“I’m confident that your industry will work your butt off,” he said. “You’ll open yourselves up to scrutiny because you don’t want any taint whatsoever.
“I say on behalf of the Labor Party, it’s good you’ve got on the front foot. It’s important governments take action where appropriate as well.
“We can’t afford, for what is overwhelmingly such a positive experience, to be damaged as well. We will do anything we can do to provide assistance.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne was also at the function, along with a host of high-ranking foreign diplomats including New Zealand High Commissioner Dame Annette King, Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye, Singapore High Commissioner Kwok Fook Seng and Irish Ambassador Breandán Ó Caollaí.
Basil Nolan Snr and Tom Reilly
The co-convenors of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino and Shadow Agriculture Minister, Hunter MP and Joel Fitzgibbon were also forthcoming in their support of the thoroughbred industry.
The TBA has already called for the establishment of a national welfare taskforce including all stakeholders as well as independent experts, and chief executive Tom Reilly, speaking at the function, said the industry had to ensure the necessary changes were made.
“We have the courage and we have the determination to ensure that we have an industry that we can all be proud of,” Reilly said.
“We must address the issues the ABC has raised. As an industry we will be judged by our response.”
Federal agriculture minister Bridget McKenzie has put the thoroughbred welfare issue at the top of her agenda for a meeting with state and territory ministers on Friday.
