Dr Darren Briggs | Lead Candidate for Braddon
The Greens have slammed an appeal for $38.6 million in taxpayer funding for a North West Racetrack, maintaining the funds would be better spent on fixing the health system and building affordable homes.
"Communities in the north west don't need a $38.6 million racetrack, they need a better resourced North West Regional Hospital and more affordable housing.
"As a former vet working in the racing industry I saw first hand deplorable instances of animal exploitation. It beggars belief that the Liberals and Labor both support spending millions on industrialised animal abuse when there are so many other areas that need attention.
"Tasmania's racing industry already enjoys government support and taxpayer funded handouts despite failing to reform itself following a bombshell report that found individuals within the industry engaged in team driving, race fixing and animal abuse.
"The writing is on the wall for this cruel and inhumane industry. Every year more people are understanding the systemic cruelty inflicted on animals as part of the harness racing and greyhound racing industries.
"The gambling-fuelled racing industry is inhumane, deadly and incompatible with animal welfare. It is the last industry that needs subsidising in a cost of living crisis.
"It's time to end government subsidies to the racing industry and spare taxpayer money from being wasted on a systemically cruel industry, and instead invest in fixing our health system."
