Horse owners urged to step up protests

MCEWEN MP Fran Bailey has called on horse owners to actively protest against the Federal Government’s proposed horse disease levy.
Ms Bailey said while strong opposition to the levy had resulted in the government postponing debate on the legislation, the matter was far from over.
“The fight hasn’t been won yet, but this (postponement) is an important step we’ve achieved,” Ms Bailey said.
She said she had received dozens of emails and phone calls in just one week, from local horse owners who oppose the levy.
“I urge not just all the horse owners who have contacted me, but stud owners, show societies and racing organisations, to register their protest to this most inequitable government proposal,” Ms Bailey said.
Describing the levy as a knee-jerk reaction to the equine influenza threat, she said the government had not only demonstrated a lack of understanding of the diversity of the horse industry but had failed to consult with the industry.
She said the levy would cause financial loss and disruption to the recreational horse industry and that this had not been taken into consideration.
“The thoroughbred industry generates the largest revenue, yet under the government’s proposed levy, this sector would pay less of the levy than the other sectors of the industry,” Ms Bailey said.