TIME TO PULL TOGETHER
I agree that we in the equestrian industry (not the racing industry) are fed up with the blatant discrimination against our sector. The reason government listens to the racing industry is that they get millions of dollars of revenue from betting but they also have a united voice.
The value of the horse industry in total to the Australian economy is approx $7 billion, of this the total contribution of the racing industry including breeding and betting is approx $3.5 billion. Therefore our total industry is worth an EQUAL AMOUNT to the economy. It is obvious from this that we need a united voice if we are to be heard by government. If this EI crisis can't make us unite, nothing will.
How can we present a united voice? By every individual contacting their breed or sport association, riding club, show society and asking them to join together under one banner. My association, the EFA has done a good job for their members and in media relations since the EI crisis started, and I am sure they would be most receptive to an industry association. The Horse Council was supposed to be it, but they appear to be seriously under funded. It is imperative that we have a united voice so that when the legal class actions commence for compensation, which will happen as soon as Justice Callinan concludes his enquiry, participation will be facilitated. Don't forget the lawyers are offering to act pro bono, so they are confident they will win!
Today I spoke with the executive producer of ABC program Four Corners to try to get them interested in putting a program together. He could not understand the financial devastation being caused to many in the non racing sector even though I did explain to him in words of one syllable & he was not interested in the government discrimination. His comment was "we are too busy with the election and the public perception of horses only extends to racing". Will try Sixty Minutes tomorrow.
What else can you do? Contact your local media and government representatives. I know a lot of people are already doing this, tell them your story. Quote the stats above, they come from the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, a Government authority.
Victoria Ferguson
The value of the horse industry in total to the Australian economy is approx $7 billion, of this the total contribution of the racing industry including breeding and betting is approx $3.5 billion. Therefore our total industry is worth an EQUAL AMOUNT to the economy. It is obvious from this that we need a united voice if we are to be heard by government. If this EI crisis can't make us unite, nothing will.
How can we present a united voice? By every individual contacting their breed or sport association, riding club, show society and asking them to join together under one banner. My association, the EFA has done a good job for their members and in media relations since the EI crisis started, and I am sure they would be most receptive to an industry association. The Horse Council was supposed to be it, but they appear to be seriously under funded. It is imperative that we have a united voice so that when the legal class actions commence for compensation, which will happen as soon as Justice Callinan concludes his enquiry, participation will be facilitated. Don't forget the lawyers are offering to act pro bono, so they are confident they will win!
Today I spoke with the executive producer of ABC program Four Corners to try to get them interested in putting a program together. He could not understand the financial devastation being caused to many in the non racing sector even though I did explain to him in words of one syllable & he was not interested in the government discrimination. His comment was "we are too busy with the election and the public perception of horses only extends to racing". Will try Sixty Minutes tomorrow.
What else can you do? Contact your local media and government representatives. I know a lot of people are already doing this, tell them your story. Quote the stats above, they come from the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, a Government authority.
Victoria Ferguson
posted by Horse Deals at
10:46 pm
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