Labor is backing Victoria's racing industry and the thousands of jobs it supports.
From country tracks to the biggest race days, that support is creating jobs in our regions and delivering for Victorians right across the state.
The Premier and Minister for Racing today launched the latest Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report at Bendigo Racecourse.
It showcases the strength, scale and economic impact of an industry that continues to grow. Key findings include:
- Racing's value-added contribution to the Victorian economy has climbed to $5.54 billion, growth of 17 per cent
- 46 per cent of that economic impact is in regional Victoria
- The industry sustains 33,456 full-time equivalent jobs
- Direct expenditure has grown from $3.2 billion in 2018-19 to $3.9 billion, with 65 per cent of that spend occurring in regional Victoria, and
- 78,000 members are actively engaged in their racing clubs, with more than 1.6 million attendances recorded at Victorian race meetings in 2024-25.
Labor is backing this success through the Backing Jobs in Victorian Racing initiative - to grow the industry, support regional communities and sustain thousands of local jobs.
This builds on Labor's $87 million investment in the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and Major Racing Events Fund.
These funds have backed race meets and delivered upgrades across the state including at Bendigo Racecourse - supporting workers, improving facilities and strengthening the local economy.
This is all part of Labor's plan to create jobs in regional Victoria and put more money into the pockets of Victorians.
Jess Wilson's Liberal-One Nation Coalition has a $40 billion cuts plan.
Cuts that would put a handbrake on growth and cost jobs.
Only Labor will continue to back the Victorian racing industry and the thousands of jobs that rely on it.
As stated by Premier and Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"Victoria's racing industry is an economic powerhouse - creating thousands of jobs, driving investment and delivering growth in our communities right around the state."
"Labor is proud to back the racing industry and the thousands of regional workers that rely on it."
As stated by Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines
"Only Labor has a plan to protect and grow this great Victorian industry - the Liberal-One Nation coalition will just cut it."
