Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to highlight the importance of the thoroughbred-racing industry to our economy. It's an industry that's often seen by the public through the prism of the glitz and glamour of race days, and the importance of the industry to the local and state economy is either misunderstood or underestimated. The thoroughbred-breeding industry alone in Australia is responsible for a whopping $1.16 million contribution towards the national economy and sustains nearly 9,500 people in full-time work. This employment leads to almost $560 million in salary and wages for those within the breeding industry and downstream industries such as the fodder transport, veterinary and tourism sectors.

In my home state of South Australia, there are 377 breeders employing 116 full-time staff and an additional 173 part-time employees. The total value of the contribution to the South Australian economy approaches $20 million. Breeders like Sam Hayes of Cornerstone Stud, Angaston, who was here in Canberra yesterday with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, and Chris Watson of Meningie, who I had the pleasure of meeting last year, make such a significant contribution.

While the races are sometimes seen as events enjoyed by the wealthy, particularly during the Spring Racing Carnival, I want to highlight the many tens of thousands of people who are employed as part of the breeding and racing industries and follow-on industries such as retail, hospitality and other industries. It's an important sector that deserves our support. (Time expired)