Media Release: Election Opportunity to End Public Funding of Greyhound Racing

Photo: courtesy Animals Australia

Election Opportunity to End Public Funding of Greyhound Racing

Sunday, 29 June 2025

The state election provides an opportunity for candidates to step up and commit to ending public funding of controversial greyhound racing, according to Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb.

“It is untenable for the state government to continue to sink taxpayers’ money in propping up this cruel activity,” said Ms Webb who joined today’s Kingston Beach Event for Greyhounds and All Their Doggo Mates.

“Thanks to the recent independent review by Saul Eslake the evidence is in.  Tasmania is spending more on greyhound than the national rate, at an annual average increase of 5.6 per cent over the past 15 years, in contrast to education investment which only received a 4.1 per cent increase over the same period.

“The state’s dire financial situation is a major factor why Tasmanians are facing their second state election in two years.  Ending public funding of greyhound racing would save millions each year, which could then be redirected to areas in desperate need.

“This state election presents an opportunity to draw a line in the sand.

“Now is the time for partes and candidates to stand up and commit to ending public funding for greyhound racing, and prioritise negotiations to plan a transition out for the industry and the dogs in time for the expiry of the current Tasracing deal in 2029.

“This is a failing industry and one which is increasingly on the nose.

“We know from a 2023 EMRS poll that 62 per cent of respondents opposed greyhound racing with       79 per cent saying the government should stop propping it up with taxpayers’ money.

“Tasmanians do not want to lock in more greyhound suffering, and they certainly do not want to be subsidising that suffering,” Ms Webb said.

The financing of greyhound racing in Tasmania report by Saul Eslake, 22 May 2025, can be viewed here.