Australian federal ministers, members of parliament and senators gathered with industry members in Canberra Wednesday to show their support for the Australian breeding industry.
Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse spoke to more than 80 gathered guests about the importance of Australian breeding, and said, “The international market is extremely interested in Australia–we breed tough horses who thrive on racing and we prove that every year. Breeding is part of the grass roots of Australia, the grassroots and fabric of what makes this country great. Please don't overlook us, we are an important industry and a great employer.”
Other industry members that spoke included Thoroughbred Breeders' Association President Basil Nolan, TBA Chief Executive Tom Reilly, Chris Watson from Mill Park Stud in South Australia and Antony Thompson of Widden Stud.
Thompson explained that he has 60 full-time employees to care for 350 Thoroughbred mares and one full-time worker to tend to more than 1000 cattle, and Government Chief Whip Nola Marino, who breeds and races horses in Perth, spoke of her experience, saying, “There is nothing like winning a race–whether it's the smallest race at a country track or a big race that you never expected to win. There's nothing like it. The equine industry supports so many of our small businesses and communities but is frequently overlooked in the economic dividend it provides for our community.”
The event followed a day of political meetings for the TBA, with issues including a shortage of Equine Herpes Virus vaccine to a future Research and Development Levy discussed, and Reilly deemed the events a success.
“It's been a very productive few days in Canberra and I'm delighted with the response we've had from all corners of parliament,” he said. “There's a recognition that as a significant industry we need support from federal parliament to maintain our status as a world leader.”
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