Only Labor Will Protect Racing Jobs

Labor’s new direction for the economy starts locally – with the sports and venues that Victorians love to go to.

The racing industry contributes $5.5 billion to Victoria’s economy and supports more than 33,000 jobs across the state – including thousands in regional Victoria.

That’s why a re-elected Carroll Labor Government will renew and increase the Victorian Racing Industry Fund (VRIF).

An $80 million investment will help grow the sport and support grassroots racing across Victoria.

This is an increase on the previous $72 million commitment for the VRIF.

The VRIF provides funding to support thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing.

It invests in racing and training infrastructure, community facilities on regional racecourses, regional events, animal welfare, and initiatives to encourage investment in our breeding sector.

Labor’s VRIF has already delivered:

• $5m to support racing infrastructure as part of the major redevelopment of Moonee Valley Racecourse

• $2.3m to reconstruct the synthetic track at Ballarat Turf Club

• $530,000 to resurface the track at Bendigo Jockey Club

• $1.55m to reconstruct the track at Benalla Racing Club

This major investment will make sure racing in Victoria keeps leading the way nationally, with the highest-quality tracks and facilities for racing fans.

Jess Wilson’s Liberal-One Nation Coalition has a $40 billion cuts plan.

Cuts that would put a handbrake on growth and cost jobs.

Only Labor will continue to back the Victorian racing industry and the thousands of jobs that rely on it.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing Anthony Carbines

“Only Labor will back racing and the thousands of jobs it supports across regional Victoria.”

“Labor is making sure Victoria remains the best racing state, protecting the thousands of working people in regional Victoria who rely on the industry.”

“Jess Wilson’s $40 billion cuts plan will smash regional Victoria and put regional racing jobs at risk.”