INDUSTRY TRANSITION PLAN FOR GREYHOUNG RACING: UTAS … New report confirms it is untenable to continue spending public money on an industry that is no longer aligned with public values, ethical standards, or economic prudence – it’s lost its social licence.
The UTAS research paper suggests a framework for the end of greyhound racing in 2029 that is welcome.
Among its 19 recommendations, it recommends compensation be paid as the code winds up with a particular emphasis on reducing the economic impact on regional communities, especially in the northwest where participation is greatest.
It includes recommendations that funding be allocated to find homes for dogs that will be freed from racing.
Also, a consultation process with affected communities to repurpose existing greyhound racing infrastructure towards public benefit – such as housing.
UTAS finds that somewhere between 200and 600 industry participants will be affected and offered support into alternative employment sectors.
Committee Review
Government plans to end greyhound racing by 2029 in Tasmania were put on hold after the Legislative Council in December last year voted to have the phasing out Bill be considered by a committee.
The Joint Standing Committee on Greyhound Racing Transition – chaired by myself – received the following referral from the Legislative Council.
“That the Greyhound Racing Legislation Amendments (Phasing Out Reform) Bill 2025 be referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Greyhound Racing Transition for Consideration and Report.”
The Committee has therefore launched the Greyhound Racing Legislation Amendments (Phasing Out Reform) Bill 2025 Inquiry, which will consider contents of the Bill.
In response to this focused referral, the Committee invited interested persons or organisations to make written submissions
on the Bill to the Committee by the closing date of Friday, 6 February 2026.
The Committee notes that this inquiry is not examining the policy decision of the greyhound racing phase out but the contents of the proposed legislation to enable the transition process to occur.
The committee is due to meet next on February 10 to consider the submissions and hear evidence.
The full UTAS report can be found on my website https://kristiejohnston.com.au/reports/
MORE: It’s time end to greyhound racing – Kristie Johnston MP