Greyhound Racing is set to be banned in Tasmania from 2029 onwards

Greyhound Racing is set to be banned in Tasmania from 2029 onwards

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced the closure of greyhound racing in the state from 2029, less than a month after committing to the "longevity and sustainability" of the industry.

The sport of greyhound racing in Australia is reeling from the announcement made over the weekend that the state of Tasmania is set to ban greyhound racing from 2029. It is now feared that other states may look to try and push through a similar ban of their own. Here at Greyhound News UK and indeed Greyhound Racing UK,  we offer our support in the battle to keep greyhound racing going in Tasmania. 

The news broke on Saturday as Australian Sports Journalist Brent Costelloe (@brentcostelloe) revealed the exclusive in a video clip on social media platform X saying “ Greyhound Racing is set to be banned in Tasmania from 2029. Now, this has been a controversial industry in the state for a long time. We know a lot of Parliamentarians are against it, but, of course, we also know that Jeremy Rockcliffe is trying to build a government from outside his own party as well, so you can probably join the dots as to why this is being announced at this time”

“So, it’s unfolding, as I record this video. I expect it to officially come out, perhaps in the next few hours or even tomorrow morning (Sunday).” Full video can be viewed by clicking the link below

https://x.com/brentcostelloe/status/1954076120640630850

Costelloe then produced another post on X that Jeremy Rockliff, the Tasmanian Premier, and Jane Howlett, the Minster for Racing, had produced a statement with the intention of phasing out Greyhound Racing

The news comes as a surprise as less than a month ago on July 17th, Rockliff gave his backing to racing in Tasmania and bares an uncanny resemblance to the situation here in the UK, with the petition to ban Greyhound Racing in Wales passing through the Senedd back in February

The move comes at a time of significant political upheaval in Tasmania where Rockliff's Liberal government needs to secure the support of crossbenchers after failing to win a majority at the recent state election.

Faced with the realisation of a vote of no confidence motion when parliament resumes, obtaining the support of independents staves off the prospect of a political calamity for the under-siege Premier.

In a letter addressed to Northwest Greyhound Club President Ben Englund on July 17, Rockliff said his government would "continue to back Tasmania's racing community".

"I have pleasure in responding on behalf of all Tasmanian Liberal candidates," Rockliff said.

"I know that the racing community and more broadly the Tasmanian racing community want a racing industry that is fair, humane, and sustainable across all three codes, including greyhound racing”

"The Government is committed to supporting the longevity and sustainability of the industry which generates close to $208m in economic activity in Tasmania and involves more than 6400 people”

"Work has already started on developing a new racing industry funding deed to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the industry”

"I understand this is the industry's number one priority and I recognise the industry needs certainty and we will deliver that."

But less than a month after those emphatic comments, the Premier is poised to withdraw the government's funding support by 2029, essentially winding up the industry.

Tasracing, Tasmania’s governing body of horse and greyhound racing issued the following statement

"Tasracing notes the announcement by the Tasmanian Government that it intends to phase out greyhound racing by 30 June 2029," a Tasracing spokesperson said.

"We will engage with all industry code (greyhounds, harness and thoroughbred) stakeholders and other stakeholders about the decision"

"Tasracing also notes the government's intention to establish a Parliamentary committee to assist with any transition out of the industry for greyhounds and greyhound industry participants."Greyhounds Australasia urged the Tasmanian Government to reconsider the decision in a statement issued on Sunday"

"Closing greyhound racing will have serious, real-life consequences for more than a thousand people involved in racing – decent, hardworking people who take good care of greyhounds," it read.

"This is a disappointing move that does not reflect the continual progress being made by the industry to address animal welfare concerns and improve racing safety. Progress that presents a sustainable future for the greyhound industry in Tasmania"

"We will continue to advocate for the future of racing in Tasmania and are committed in seeking engagement with the Tasmanian Government ahead of the proposed transition."

It seems, as is the case with the situation in Wales, that greyhound racing will become collateral damage in the politically charged landscape, with the proposed 2029 timeline coinciding with the expiration of the code's current funding deal.

The decision to close down greyhound racing in Tasmania overlooks the broader picture of economic stability, human sustainability, and community engagement. The industry supports more than 6,400 people across the state — from trainers and breeders to local businesses and event staff — and its positive influence extends far beyond the track.

Greyhound racing in Tasmania has made significant strides in welfare standards, with transparency and accountability shaping its future. It’s more than a sport; it’s a network of livelihoods, social connection, and regional activity that strengthens Tasmania’s community fabric. Losing it would mean not only the end of a racing tradition, but a blow to the people and communities that depend on it.

There has since been support for the continuation of greyhound racing in Tasmania, not least from The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party (SFF), who say it will NOT support a Liberal government, unless Jeremy Rockliff reverses his decision to phase out greyhound racing.

Newly-elected SFF MP Carlo Di Falco says greyhound racing is "a proud and vital part of rural Tasmania"

 More support has arrived through Victoria's greyhound racing powerhouse Peita Duncan, who in an open letter, called out Jeremy Rockliff's backflip in Tasmania

Our colleagues at Australia's leading greyhound racing site with form guides, results, race replays & news, The Dogs, also released a statement from Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) Chief Executive Officer Steve Griffin, who has voiced his disgust at the industry being used as a "political football"