Hulls seeks compensation for Victoria

SYDNEY – Victorian Racing Minister Rob Hulls has urged other states to get behind Victoria’s request for the Federal Government to extend its equine influenza compensation package to all states.

Speaking at the Australasian Racing Ministers’ Conference in Sydney, Hulls said: “Victoria’s efforts in keeping EI out of this state have benefitted the whole country by ensuring racing continued through the Spring Racing Carnival, providing a viable racing product for the rest of Australia”.

“This has come at an estimated cost of $15 million to the Victorian industry but not one cent has come from the Federal Government in support.”

Mr Hulls also urged the racing industry to remain vigilant, particularly ahead of the upcoming 2008 Watpac Interdominion Championships, the most coveted race on the Australasian harness racing calendar. It is understood horses will undergo quarantine at Geelong ahead of this event.

“Just because the Spring Racing Carnival is over does not mean we can drop the ball,” he said.