LNP Shadow Racing Minister John-Paul Langbroek has slammed the Palaszczuk Labor Government for cutting the once thriving Queensland racing industry off at the knees, leading to nearly 200 jobs lost and services transferred to New South Wales.
Mr Langbroek said Labor was warned that its greedy tax on the industry, coupled with lack of action on betting agency inducements and allowing excessive gambling advertising would push jobs out of Queensland.
“TABCORP‘s move to New South Wales speaks volumes about how Labor is driving racing out of Queensland,” Mr Langbroek said.
“Whilst racing in NSW and Victoria is booming, with the Everest meeting and Spring Carnival respectively, Labor’s extra taxes are causing a brake on wagering.
“Under Annastacia Palaszczuk and Jackie Trad, Labor has saddled the Queensland racing industry with a Point of Consumption tax that is the highest in Australia.
“This $400 million tax has added to a challenging business environment which can’t improve because Labor is suffocating the Queensland economy - now it’s costing hundreds of wagering staff their jobs.
“Under Labor, we have seen integrity issues unresolved, and racing participants, particularly in my home city of the Gold Coast, are jumping over the border to New South Wales where prizemoney is more lucrative.”
LNP Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls, which encompasses Eagle Farm and Doomben racecourses, as well as the Albion site being vacated, also expressed concern for those affected by the uncertainty and loss of local jobs.
“There is no doubt that Labor’s mismanagement has had a significant impact on those within our community who work in the racing industry,” Mr Nicholls said.
“First, we had the Eagle Farm debacle which meant that Queensland’s premier race track was out of business for years for race meetings, and now we hear that people within the wagering business will be losing their jobs.
“Only the LNP is a sure bet to ensure our racing industry thrives again.”
