Tensions between Murray-Wellington MP, Murray Cowper, and the Premier are set to erupt after the government backbencher agreed today to sponsor a Pinjarra pacing meet protesting the government’s planned TAB sell-off.
The meet, planned for August 17, has been organised to register regional opposition to the sale which was announced by Treasurer Mike Nahan in the May budget.
Mr Cowper said the racing, pacing and chasing industries represented one of the biggest employers in his electorate and none of them supported the concept of a TAB sale.
“None of the owners, drivers or trainers racing at Pinjarra on August 17 are supporters of the TAB sale plan because they know first-hand how the TAB is the mainstay of the WA industry and have seen the highly damaging impacts of TAB privatisation on their counterparts in other States,” Mr Cowper said.
Mr Cowper said there had been a great deal of public speculation on a TAB sale but as yet there was no detail with the proposal.
“You don’t discuss the sale of an asset without knowing what you will get for it, or what detrimental impacts a sale might have,” he said.
Acting Minister for Racing and Gaming Mia Davies has been contacted for comment.
