Shadow Racing and Gaming Minister Lachlan Hunter MP has called on Minister Paul Papalia to clarify whether he and the Cook Labor Government still stand by their public support for Western Australia’s greyhound racing industry after a government-controlled committee launched an inquiry that appears aimed at shutting it down.
Earlier this year, the Government claimed it backed the industry, citing its $225 million annual contribution and more than 1,700 jobs. Yet last night, the Legislative Council’s
Environment and Public Affairs Committee, chaired by Labor’s Hon Sandra Carr, announced a sweeping inquiry with terms that echo the demands of anti-racing activists and a petition backed by the Greens and Animal Justice Party.
“This is a government at war with itself,” Mr Hunter said.
“You can’t say you support the industry one day, then green light an inquiry the next that’s clearly designed to kill it off.”
Mr Hunter said Labor was being pulled by its alliance with fringe parties.
“This inquiry has the fingerprints of the Greens and Animal Justice Party all over it and Labor is too weak to stop them,” he said.
“Workers in Northam, Cannington, Mandurah and across WA deserve honesty. Either the Minister backs greyhound racing, or he doesn’t.”
Mr Hunter also pointed to the industry’s progress in improving animal welfare, including pre-race veterinary checks, upgraded track standards to reduce injuries and strong rehoming programs for retired greyhounds.
“These initiatives demonstrate a genuine commitment to continuous improvement and animal care,” he said.
In April, the Minister said:
“The Cook Government supports Western Australia’s greyhound racing industry and acknowledges the economic, social and community benefits it creates.”
But that has been undermined by Labor MLC Hon Dan Caddy, who called the industry “abhorrent” and “in its final days”.
“Is the Minister still in charge of his own portfolio, or has Labor outsourced its racing policy to the Greens?” Mr Hunter said.
“WA deserves better than double-speak. Labor needs to come clean — are they planning to shut down greyhound racing or not?”
