GRV chair Peita Duncan issues open letter to Tas Premier Jeremy Rockliff
Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) chair Peita Duncan has written an open letter to Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, slamming his government’s decision to end funding for greyhound racing by 2029 and pledging Victoria’s full support to the Tasmanian industry.
“Greyhound Racing Victoria and the thousands of participants in this state are standing beside the entire Tasmanian greyhound racing industry today, following your sudden and inexplicable withdrawal of support for our wonderful sport in your state,” Ms Duncan wrote.
She noted that only three weeks earlier, the Premier had “pledged [his] unqualified support to all three racing codes, including greyhound racing” and recognised the significant welfare improvements made by TasRacing. “And just 21 days later, you have reneged on that promise, putting your personal ambition above the livelihoods of hundreds of greyhound racing participants in Tasmania who love and care for their greyhounds,” she said.
“To cave in and side with those who want to ban everything based on no facts is both soul-destroying and incredibly disingenuous for those who believed your previous commitments. How can the rank-and-file have any faith that you will do what’s in their best interests?”
Ms Duncan highlighted the sport’s ongoing investment in welfare and integrity outcomes across Australasia, pointing out that retired greyhounds are now becoming “the pet of choice for thousands of Australians”. She also emphasised the industry’s economic and social value, noting it provides at least 460 full-time equivalent jobs and generates no less than $60 million annually in Tasmania alone.
“The effects of your short-sighted withdrawal of support will ripple and reverberate across a country where more than 14,500 full-time equivalent jobs are sustained by greyhound racing and nearly $2.5 billion is contributed to state and territory economies annually,” she wrote.
“That’s why our industry here in Victoria and across Australia will stand side by side with our peers in Tasmania and ensure they have our full backing to fight your selfish and ill-conceived decision and ensure their future.”