The Tasmanian premier, Jeremy Rockliff, has announced plans to phase out greyhound racing in the state by 30 June 2029, as he seeks to secure support from independents to form a minority government. The decision follows the death of Raider's Guide, a champion greyhound that was euthanised after breaking its neck during a race in Launceston in late July.
Rockliff stated that the move aligns with community expectations and aims to ensure an orderly exit from the sport. A parliamentary committee will be established to oversee the transition. The premier acknowledged that the decision would be 'extremely disappointing' for those involved in the industry.
The RSPCA in Tasmania praised the plan, calling greyhound racing a 'relic of the past' and urging all elected representatives to support the ban. Chief executive Andrea Dawkins described the death of Raider's Guide as a catalyst for lasting change.
Rockliff's Liberal party holds 14 seats in the state parliament, while Labor has 10, neither reaching the 18 required to govern outright. The Greens, with five seats, and independent Kristie Johnston have advocated for a ban on greyhound racing. The premier has no formal agreements with crossbench MPs.
An economic review by Saul Eslake found that the Tasmanian greyhound racing industry relies almost entirely on government funding, receiving $7.5m in 2024-25 alone. Eslake noted that the state spends more than twice the national average to maintain the sport. Other Australian jurisdictions have taken similar action, with the ACT banning greyhound racing in 2018 and New South Wales considering a ban before reversing it in 2016.
