Minister for Racing Corey Wingard has approved the release of State Government funding for the creation of a new job within Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) focused on animal welfare.
In 2019, the Marshall Liberal Government announced a $24 million stimulus package for the industry to improve its performance and viability through investment in strategic initiatives and infrastructure projects.
As part of the package, TRSA was also encouraged to enhance its focus on animal welfare and to further develop leading practices that ensure horses are cared for properly during and after their racing life.
An Equine Welfare Officer, working within TRSA, will have responsibility for ensuring that the care of racehorses through the various stages of their racing lives and into retirement is in line with best practice.
"The Marshall Government is committed to ensuring that benefits from the stimulus package be felt across the industry; not just for those who work and train in the sector, but also the horses themselves," Minister Wingard said.
"I want to make sure we are delivering best practice equine welfare measures across the South Australian thoroughbred racing industry and holding those within the sector to a high standard.
"We saw some horrific images surface last year of the treatment of racehorses elsewhere in the country and, while South Australia was not caught up in that investigation, I want to make sure we continue to care for and treat our racehorses with the highest level of care."
TRSA CEO Nick Redin said the position was a first for the State's thoroughbred racing industry.
"We have always had a strong focus on equine welfare through the diligence of our stewards, but the creation of this role now gives us a dedicated resource to work alongside our integrity division," he said.
"It's a step-change in our ability to ensure that the standards we require within our jurisdiction are being met while also enabling us to work with participants on delivering best practice outcomes.
"We are grateful for the State Government's support of this initiative and believe it sends a strong message about how serious we are about equine welfare in South Australia."
A recruitment process is underway with the position expected to be filled within a matter of weeks.
