Kay Hull: Working for the Riverina

-----Original Message-----
From: Hallett, Graeme (A. Somlyay, MP)
Sent: Tuesday, 11 March 2008 3:11 PM
To: Dennis, Joseph (K. Hull, MP)
Subject: Scullion media as discussed.

Horse Disease Response Levy Bill Needs Fixing Not Delaying

Shadow minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion today welcomed the decision of the government to postpone debate on the horse disease levy and urges this time to be used to develop a more equitable bill.
“The performance and recreational horse industry represents 80 percent of all horses, with approx 621,000 registered and 500,000 unregistered horses compared to approx 160,000 total horses in the racing sector.
“The bill would result in performance and recreational horse owners contributing the largest financial levy towards the cost of containing and eradicating diseases such as equine influenza even though they receive little of no financial income through their horses, said Senator Scullion.
“More importantly the bill as proposed would still only result in 50% of all foals born being subject to such a levy.
The postponement of debate on the Horse Disease Levy Bills must be more than just a delaying tactic, said Senator Scullion.
“It must be used to study the recent EI outbreak and identify the real impact of the outbreak and not just the financial cost.
“It must also take into the account the costs born by the community as a result of the suspension of performance and recreational horse events.
“Agricultural show societies and horse transport companies are just some who have experienced losses as a result of the cancellation of horse events, said Senator Scullion.
“Through this bill the government is attempting to unfairly slug some horse owners for the cost of EI without considering the expenses they have already incurred.
“Next time they introduce the bill they need to have done their homework and present a fair and equitable proposal”, said Senator Scullion.