With all the glitz and glamour of spring racing, it is often easy to lose sight of what actually keeps the wheels turning or, in our case, the legs running.
Last week, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) was proud to announce that a new thoroughbred research and development levy has been officially confirmed by the Coalition Government.
With the Government pledging up to $400,000 annually, matched by the thoroughbred industry’s own contribution, funds of $2.4 million will be invested in vital areas such as disease control, welfare, reproduction and injury prevention over the next three years.
Essential to continuing growth and development, the levy announcement follows extensive lobbying from TBA to the Federal Government and was welcomed by CEO, Tom Reilly: “The TBA has worked hard on behalf of the thoroughbred industry to ensure there is proper recognition from the federal government for breeders.
“Thoroughbred breeding generates billions of dollars of economic activity each year in Australia and our horses are recognised around the world for their ability and quality. This levy will play an important role in maintaining our reputation as world leaders and protecting our industry in the years to come.
“This is a great achievement for the TBA and we are looking forward to working with the Government on projects that will make a significant difference to breeders across the country.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, concurred, adding that the Coalition Government was delivering on its election commitment to support the thoroughbred breeding industry: “These projects will seek to improve the safety of those who work in the industry and the welfare of horses, including building resilience in horses in work and training, and improved breeding outcomes for stronger foals.”
The levy is due to be implemented by 1 July 2017.
Hoofnote: TBA is the peak body established for the benefit of the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry: the second largest in the world. TBA has a membership base of 3,800 individual breeders and other industry participants, and is also the parent company of the six state breeders’ associations. These members make up more than 60 per cent of individual breeders, who are responsible for about 90 per cent of thoroughbred production in Australia.
