The controversial Point of Consumption Tax was the focus of a meeting today between the State Government and the racing industry alliance which is comprised of representatives from the TBQA, Racing Queensland, the Australian Trainers Association, Qld Jockeys Association Jockeys and Qld Racehorse Owners Association.
Presenting our case was Basil Nolan and Steve Morley (TBQA), RQ Chairman Steve Wilson, CEO Brendan Parnell & RQ Thoroughbred Board Rep Mark Sowerby, Cameron Partington and Robert Heathcote (ATA), Glen Prentice and Pam O'Neil (QJA), Vince Pennisi (QROA) and Bernadette Cooper (Industry Personality).
Government representatives included Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and Racing Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, along with their associated advisors and staff.
The aim was to ensure the Government was fully informed about the current state of thoroughbred racing, a situation that is worsening by the day as the gap between Queensland and the leading states of NSW and Victoria continues to widen at an alarming rate.
This situation can only be contained by an immediate boost of confidence to our industry in the form of increased returns to participants via prizemoney.
The meeting lasted over two hours and the alliance was able to present our case, air our frustrations and concerns and seek explanations from the Government about the recent announcement regarding the distribution of the Point of Consumption Tax.
We were given every opportunity to express our message and this was done in a very robust, passionate and constructive way. It seemed to be a very productive meeting.
We hope that the Government has listened and we have given our support to the Racing Queensland Board and CEO - the matter is now in their hands.