Don’t be a spectator to our future

Now is not the time to be a spectator. That is the one clear message to greyhound participants across Australasia as we enter 2026 – the most crucial year for our industry.

This is the year that we must turn the tide that already has our New Zealand comrades gasping for breath and that is cascading towards Tasmania.

As we have learnt through greyhound racing’s long and proud history in Australasia, when the chips are down there is only one person we can count on – our fellow participant. And that is where we are right now, at the beginning of 2026.

On February 6 submissions are due in relation to the proposed ban in Tasmania.

Greyhound people across Australia, not just in Tassie, must put in submissions.

You can’t just stand by and watch. To use a rugby league term: No one else is going to cart the ball up for us.

It is up to us.

We need voices telling the Tasmanian government who we are, what we do and how important our industry is … in Tasmania and across Australasia.

We also encourage participants to write to the members of the Tasmanian Legislative Council – the Upper House in Tasmania – providing your support for the greyhound industry.

The decision at this point sits with the Legislative Council – 15 people.

They have our future in their hands.

Those 15 people are the centre of our universe right now. They need to know our story. That is why we need to be contacting them as well.

We need to tell anyone that matters that what is happening in Tasmania is wrong.

That the ban process is unprecedented in its haste and in its lack of vigor in terms of policy framework.

There was no mandate from the Tasmania people to ban greyhound racing. There was no election where this was a topic that people could vote on. There has been a complete lack of consultation in developing this legislation. The entire process has been questionable.

These are the clear concerns that need to be voiced in submissions to the Joint Parliamentary Committee and importantly in communications to the Tasmanian Legislative Council – THE 15.

The clear message to the wider community is that if this ban goes through, what is next? Nothing is safe. Nothing is sacred.

If the ban goes through, then the regions of Tasmania are jeopardized, because racing is the hub of so many regions through Tasmania and also across Australia.

Caption: Luke Gatehouse: “Those 15 people are the centre of our universe right now. They need to know our story. That is why we need to be contacting them as well.” (Photo: Box 1 Photography)

Upcoming key dates:

• February 6 – Due date for public submissions in relation to the proposed ban of greyhound racing in Tasmania;
• February 10 – The joint Select Committee on Greyhound Racing Transition resumes;
• February 11 – Greyhounds Tasmania will be attending the Parliamentary Inquiry;
• March 16 – The Tasmanian Upper House resumes.