Labor has called on the state government to follow the lead of other jurisdictions and provide support for Tasmania's racing industry as it struggles to recover post-COVID.
Shadow Minister for Racing David O'Byrne said government bears responsibility for some of the pain the industry has experienced.
"The racing industry developed its COVID-ready plans and had good arrangements in place to ensure appropriate social distancing at events.
"But the government arbitrarily kept racing shut down while lifting restrictions on other sectors.
"The racing industry in Tasmania has lost millions of dollars and cut jobs. Delays in the restart made the situation worse than it needed to be."
Mr O'Byrne said other places had acted to protect their racing industry.
"In Victoria, where racing was not closed down, a substantial package was developed to support the three codes.
"In New Zealand, the government acknowledged the contribution of the industry to the economy, and the impact of COVID-19, in announcing a support package.
"I'm calling on the government to work with the industry on a suitable support package to get them back on a sustainable footing."
David O'Byrne
Shadow Minister for Racing
