“It is a really important opportunity for us all to celebrate this important industry,” said Murray Watt, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, “and the support from the Albanese government.”
“I want to convey to you the support, as there’s a lot of collaboration going on between our government here and the industry and I look forward to continuing to that in the future.”
Meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Murray Watt reaffirmed the government’s support of the Thoroughbred industry with more 40 MPs and Senators from across the political divide.
In gathered with industry leaders, the event was hosted by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, staged for the first time since the pandemic.
In assistance with issues as biosecurity, horse traceability and equine welfare initiatives, the Nationals Leader David Littleproud backed this bipartisan approach to the Thoroughbred industry.
“To each and every one of you, please don’t underestimate the role and the significance that you play in regional and rural Australia, and that you play for this nation,” said David Littleproud.
“The Thoroughbred industry is so important from the city to the bush. It plays a financial one and an economic one in jobs, but it’s our outlet, an outlet for Australians to come together.”
Federal politicians have pledged bipartisan support, emphasising its importance to the economy and the integral part it plays in the social fabric of rural, regional and metropolitan Australia.
The cross-party event was run by co-convenors, Western Australian Liberal MP Nola Marino and NSW Labor MP Meryl Swanson, and was held in the private courtyard of Speaker Milton Dick.
TBA chief executive Tom Reilly conducted a range of one-on-one meetings with officials and politicians prior to the event discussing issues as the government’s impending wagering reforms.
“Events like this are so important, for in breeding and racing we have to touch points with the federal government and these can throw up some complex issues to deal with,” Tom Reilly said.
“To have the people who make decisions on policy in the room listing, I was delighted with the turn-out of over 40 politicians including senior members of the government and opposition.”
Ms Nola Marino, a long-time thoroughbred breeder said “I know this industry employs thousands, but its critical to underpin rural and regional economies and the employment opportunities.”
Today Australia also has more than 100,000 racehorse owners, with the industry having over 80,000 jobs, and the breeding sector alone has 11,500 employees, nearly all in the rural regions.
In a gallery of political and industry stars it was the Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, who was a key figure in helping negotiate the reintroduction of thoroughbred exports to China.
While Federal Government Minister colleague Bill Shorten had a passionate interest as his electorate of Maribyrnong takes in the Melbourne racecourses Moonee Valley and Flemington.
The Member for Riverina, and former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, a highly passionate racing identity also attended in company with former National Party leader Barnaby Joyce.
In liaising with both political and thoroughbred industry figures it was Widden Stud principal Antony Thompson who stated “It’s so important that the thoroughbred industry is getting its voice heard in Canberra and I’m grateful that TBA has taken the lead in this space.”
Now with thoroughbred breeding farms in the Widden Valley, NSW and Romsey in Victoria, Anthony expressed “There was a lot of support for breeding and racing among those that attended and it’s crucial we now work with those politicians to deal with the challenges the industry faces.”
