The Tasmanian Government is a strong supporter of the local racing industry and it is easy to see why it is important to the State.
The economic contribution of the industry is well known - generating $185 million in value-added contribution to the State's economy.
I was delighted to attend the official launch of the Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival.
Racing stimulates the economy in associated industries such as fashion, hospitality and accommodation providers, who all benefit from our Ladbrokes Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival.
The industry is made up of more than 5,800 people as employees, participants or volunteers – particularly in regional or rural Tasmania.
Local and interstate patronage is important for the host racing clubs.
It provides them with important revenue and also the opportunity to present and showcase – in partnership with Tasracing - quality thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing.
I would like to encourage all Tasmanian racing fans to get behind this summer's festival of racing by attending or watching one of our key race days, regardless of the code.
Good luck to all participants, Tasracing and the clubs this summer and thank you to Ladbrokes for again putting its name to our summer festival of racing.
