MORE than 126 people attended the Northam Race Club on September 15 to hear Racing Minister Colin Holt speak about the possible privatisation of the TAB.
The future of the Northam Race Club was also discussed.
Mr Holt said the possible TAB privatisation has been on the state government’s agenda for about a year-and-a-half.
He estimated 95 per cent of public opinion was against a TAB sale, but would still like the racing industry to look at the possibility.
During the presentation there was an exchange between Mr Holt and Labor Member for Agricultural Region Darren West.
Mr West said the possible sale of the TAB would be just for the government to fix their budget bottom line.
Mr West also said Labor has offered to give the Nationals support and the opportunity to break away from the Liberal Party to defeat any sale legislation.
“It is now a question for them to show some spine, or if they want to continue to support the Liberals,” Mr West said.
“I think they should tell Premier Barnett the TAB is not for sale.”
Mr Holt said he would not put his head in the sand like Labor and was open to exploring all options.
Mr West said he thought the minister was unsuccessful trying to convince people selling the TAB was a good idea.
“Everyone knows the risk of selling the TAB,” Mr West said. “We oppose the sale because we
believe it will signal the end of regional racing.”
The future of the Northam Race Club was then discussed.
The topic came about after the Metropolitan Equine Asset Review Taskforce (MEART) Report recommended a shake-up of Western Australian industry track assets.
“I can’t see why Northam Race Club can’t be here in 50 years time,” Mr Holt said.
“However I do encourage you to strengthen your position.”
Northam Race Club manager Nicole Bell said the club was happy to have the community come out and show support.
“Following the meeting we had a positive response from the Nationals to support the club and our future going forward,” Ms Bell said.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia chief executive officer Richard Burt also gave the Northam Race Club a positive assurance.
“Northam plays an important role in the racing calendar, in particular during the winter and spring months and recent investments in club facilities, track curating and water supply are all considered long term projects to assist racing at Northam,” Mr Burt said.
