Alerts
2/5/2009 - SENATE DECISION A BLOW TO THE FUTURE OF THE HORSE INDUSTRY
BRIEF:
SENATE DECISION IS AN UNACCEPTABLE OUTCOME FOR HORSE OWNERS
The decision by 34 Senators to oppose the Horse Disease Levy Bills is a shattering outcome for Australian horse owners.
These 34 Senators have chosen to ignore advice from the three national horse industry organisations (AHIC, Australian Racing Board and Harness Racing Australia). This advice was supported by requests to pass the legislation from numerous member-based horse industry groups.
This decision places the entire horse industry, including thousands of mum and dad horse owners, at risk of an emergency disease outbreak without any guarantee of government help.
The horse industry does not have the expertise, resources, funds or statutory authority to mount an emergency disease response without the assistance from Government. Exotic disease incursions potentially affect every horse, and must be dealt with by an industry-government partnership. Every horse owner benefits from an emergency disease response.
Finally, after many years of industry consultation to agree to a workable levy system for the horse industry, this decision by the 34 Senators is extremely irresponsible. The entire horse industry now cannot benefit from the protection afforded by a levy system as all other livestock industries have had for many years.
Barry Smyth
President