The Hon. Beverley McArthur, Member for Western Victoria, Media Release, 24 October 2024

Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, has voiced strong support for the greyhound racing industry, opposing a motion by the Animal Justice Party seeking to undermine its future.

The motion was described by Mrs McArthur as “cloaked in care but shrouded in deception”, emphasising the disingenuous aim to improve transparency while actually seeking to close the industry.

“It is quite clear on the Animal Justice Party website that they want to end all racing,” said Mrs McArthur.

Whether it’s greyhound racing, flat racing, jumps racing, or equestrian racing—even pony clubs have races—this is just the short edge of the wedge.

“This is the beginning of the end to racing in Victoria, and it is absolutely not good enough.”

Mrs McArthur highlighted the significant economic contribution of greyhound racing to the state, especially to regional areas, where investment is desperately needed.

“The greyhound racing industry in Victoria generates more than $643 million in economic value and supports over 17,150 jobs and participants.

“Nearly $428 million of that expenditure occurs in Victoria, with 65 percent in regional areas.”

In Western Victoria alone, the industry plays a vital role in the local economy.

“In Horsham, a fine town in my electorate, greyhound racing contributes $3.5 million to the local economy and supports around 160 full-time equivalent jobs.

“At Geelong, the contribution is even more significant, with greyhound racing adding $30.5 million to the local economy.

“The Geelong Greyhound Racing Club not only employs hundreds of people but also sponsors other local sporting clubs and ensures local businesses are used for renovations and projects.

“The club recently undertook a $200,000 renovation, with all the work done by local companies.”

Unions have also shown their support for the greyhound racing industry.

Mrs McArthur said, “At the Geelong Cup, the major sponsors were the CFMEU, the Electrical Trades Union Victoria, the AMWU Victoria, and the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union Victoria.

“Those fine union members did a wonderful job supporting the event.

“How can Labor be supporting this motion? You are supposed to be the party of the people for the workers.

“Just as in the duck hunting debate, the Labor Party won’t be able to end greyhound racing because so many of the dog racing supporters are hardworking union members.”

Acknowledging that accidents can happen in any industry, Mrs McArthur called for a balanced approach to animal welfare, saying, “No one thinks of these accidents as anything other than unfortunate, even tragic.

“But where is the motion condemning the cruelty inflicted on police horses during protests?

“We need to address all cruelty to animals, not just target industries that work hard to ensure the best care for their animals.”

Mrs McArthur concluded by emphasising the passion of thousands of Victorians who support the industry.

“It is offensive to presume that just because someone is involved in greyhound racing, they don’t want the best welfare for the greyhounds.

“This sport is important for regional communities, and we will continue to fight for its future.”