New tax can boost Queensland racing industry, says Messara
IN the wake of his long-awaited report into the New Zealand racing industry last week, John Messara says there are items within his recommendations that should also be adopted in Queensland.
The most notable is where the proceeds of the new point of consumption tax, to be introduced on October 1, are directed.
“There appears to be an opportunity now to wean the Queensland racing industry off the government teat if they cede the proceeds of the new point of consumption tax to the industry,” Messara said.
“I have recommended the same in New Zealand.
“There can be a strategic plan for the expenditure of these new funds, which assures the government of industry sustainability.”
Messara presided over NSW racing during a time of great prosperity and the benefits of which continue to flow today.
Mystery still surrounds the destination for point of consumption receipts, when the new betting tax is introduced on October 1.
The lack of clarity around what portion of the income, if any, racing will receive has led to much anxiety from representative bodies, including the Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers’ Association.
The branch has warned of a growing exodus south of the border unless there’s a new injection of funds, with Queensland “treading water” as other states prosper.
“Our government needs to get behind the racing industry right now and invest in our future, before the industry, that they enjoy jumping on the bandwagon of at Magic Millions and Winter Carnival time, diminishes before their eyes,” ATA Queensland state executive Cameron Partington said.
“The positives we have are in the very good people at the helm of our industry and their visions held for our future, but this is of little worth if they don’t have the financial support required.
“Our industry is desperately in need of a boost and the distribution back to the industry of the point of consumption tax can do just that.”
CASSIDY’S FORGIVE RUN
LARRY Cassidy was at a loss to explain why Order Again wanted to hang in up the straight on Saturday, but suggested punters be forgiving of the defeat of the easing favourite.
“People will say he was disappointing because he was so blistering first up,” Cassidy said.
“But he was only second up today and he was beaten by a horse carrying 51kg.”
Jackson Murphy filled in on the winner Prioritise after original booking Michael Murphy could not make the weight.
REDZEL LOOKS RED-HOT
WHO turned in the best Everest trial on Saturday?
It’s hard to go past Redzel.
The defending champion sent out an ominous warning when monstering Invincible Star in the 1000m Concorde Stakes. He never really looked at his best in any of his autumn runs, but he travelled like a winner from the get-go at Randwick.
The jury might be out on a few of his highly ranked rivals who also raced yesterday.
SUNSHINE STATE IN DARK
AFTER a good run through the winter carnival, the old chestnut of “the racing clock” has reared its head again, with Queensland metros once again in the squeeze box between Sydney and Melbourne.
How is it that it can be worked out for some weeks, but not all?
