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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 211 asked in the Legislative Council on 29 March 2018 by Hon Colin Holt

Parliament: 40 Session: 1


RACING AND WAGERING WESTERN AUSTRALIA — REGIONAL TROTTING CLUBS — CLOSURE
      211. Hon COLIN HOLT to the minister representing the Minister for Racing and Gaming:
I refer to today's The West Australian article that states that Racing and Wagering Western Australia will no longer allocate meetings at Kalgoorlie's Golden Mile Trotting Club.
(1) Can the minister rule out any further closures of regional racing and trotting clubs under his watch?
      (2) What, if any, financial or other assistance has the minister and/or RWWA offered to keep the Golden Mile Trotting Club viable?
      (3) Does the minister concede that the industry needs a cash injection to ensure the future viability of regional clubs?
      (4) If yes to (3), will the minister today guarantee that the proceeds of the sale of the WA TAB will be returned in full to the industry?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
We have learnt a lot. I thank the member for the question. The following information has been provided to me by the Minister for Racing and Gaming.
      (1) The charter of Racing and Wagering Western Australia, RWWA, is to foster development, promote the welfare and ensure the integrity of metropolitan and country racing in the interests of the long-term viability of the racing industry in Western Australia. In some cases, RWWA may decide to cease the allocation of race dates to clubs based on thorough economic and industry analysis, but not without appropriate consultation. The Minister for Racing and Gaming is committed to the sustainable operation of the racing industry in Western Australia and will continue to work with RWWA, as the principal racing authority in the state, as well as the clubs, to achieve this.
      (2) Significant consultation and collaboration with the Golden Mile Trotting Club has occurred over numerous years including various levels of support and assistance, such as a hardship grant payment of $30 000 that was made following the 2016–17 season.
      (3) No; the Minister for Racing and Gaining is committed to sustainability, which entails analysis of economic viability—not simply a cash injection—to ensure the industry's future. The minister is concerned that the model of capital cash injections at various intervals is vastly inadequate for achieving long-term sustainability of an industry or club.
(4) Not applicable.