Regional Liberal politicians lined up against the premier at Pinjarra Paceway on Monday, attending an industry protest against the state government’s planned TAB privatisation.
The protest pacing meet was sponsored by member for Murray-Wellington Murray Cowper in opposition to the privatisation plans announced by the government in the May budget.
Also at the protest were Robyn McSweeney, upper house member for the South West region, Graham Jacobs, member for Eyre, and Glenys Godfrey, member for Belmont.
Mr Cowper said although the first race was in honour of Don Randall, who died suddenly last month, all the other races were sponsored by Liberal colleagues who opposed the government’s privatisation plans.
“Regional Liberals share real concerns about the future of the TAB,” he said.
“There’s been no consultation, just an ideological view by the premier that the government shouldn’t own a betting business.
“The TAB in this state is the only one that hasn’t been sold, and there are endless reports from around the country about the problems faced by the industry in other states as a consequence.
“Without support from the TAB, these people will be without jobs,” he said.
Mr Cowper said the uncertainty around the sale was also undermining investment in the industry.
“What would you think if you were about to buy a racehorse? Well, you’d think twice, you’d be put off,” he said.
“Racing and pacing is the second largest industry in the Peel region outside of Alcoa and in my area we have the biggest part of the industry in the state.
“If we lose control of the TAB, racing and pacing throughout regional WA will be in serious trouble.”
Graham Jacobs, who also opposed the sale, said that he was happy to take part in the debate about privatisation.
“Wherever I go around the state, people are asking, what guarantees can you give me that there’ll still be funding for country racing?”
“If you privatise, the business will be cherry-picked and all that will matter will be dividends to shareholders.”
Although not a regular race-goer, Mr Jacobs said he appreciated the importance of the industry for regional communities.
“We are here to say we do support the industry,” he said.
Racing and gaming minister Colin Holt will be holding a public consultation session in the Paceway Pavilion of the Pinjarra Raceway on August 28 at 9.30am.
