Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the racehorse Anthony Van Dyck died following injuries sustained in the 2020 Melbourne Cup,

  (ii) Anthony Van Dyck was the seventh racehorse to die as a result of the Cup since 2013, following Verema, Araldo, Admire Rakti, Red Cadeaux, Regal Monarch and Cliffsofmoher, and

  (iii) according to stewards' reports, between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020, 116 racehorses died at racetracks, as a result of catastrophic front limb injury, cardiac causes, serious bleeds, head trauma, and other injuries; and

(b) believes that no horse should die at a racetrack.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Any instance in which an animal sustains injuries or passes away at a racetrack is saddening. While animal welfare is the responsibility of state and territory governments and industry bodies, the Australian government supports good animal welfare outcomes. Racing employs tens of thousands of Australians, including many in regional Australia. It is a key economic and social pillar of numerous communities. The Melbourne Cup in particular is an inspiring and exciting race with a proud place in our nation's history. Any response from state or territory governments or industry on future courses of action should be made in this context.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Whilst Labor agrees that all of us should be concerned about the death of racehorses, the Greens' motion makes no reference to the racing and thoroughbred breeding industry, which also is concerned about the welfare of its horses. Labor acknowledges the investment and continued work the industry is doing to increase welfare outcomes for racehorses and these actions should be noted by the Senate. Racing Victoria has committed $25 million over three years to equine welfare, and this includes some $5.25 million for research on equine limb injury prevention.

Question agreed to.