Tasmania to Phase Out Greyhound Racing by 2029
The move is timed to coincide with the end of a government funding agreement and will make Tasmania the second jurisdiction in Australia to ban the sport, following the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which outlawed greyhound racing in 2018.
Community Expectations Drive Decision
“It’s time to draw a line in the sand and ensure an orderly exit from greyhound racing in Tasmania,” Mr Rockliff said.
“We must ensure that our state’s focus is on animal welfare and community values.”
Animal Activists Hail Decision
The RSPCA Tasmania also commended the government’s decision, labelling greyhound racing a “relic of the past” and urging all MPs to support the ban.
Industry Implications
The phase-out of greyhound racing is expected to be a gradual process, with a focus on supporting affected workers and ensuring the rehoming of greyhounds.
Independent MP Kristie Johnston, who has long advocated for a ban on greyhound racing, described the decision as a “demonstration of what power sharing looks like in parliament”.