Qld racing threatens strike over tax
Queensland’s racing industry is threatening to strike on Melbourne Cup Day in protest against the state government’s new gambling tax.
The Point of Consumption tax was introduced on Monday and imposes a levy on all bets placed in Queensland.
It is meant to prevent interstate and overseas companies avoiding paying tax on bets placed in Queensland.
The government says some of the money raised will be given back to the racing industry in a one-off payment.
But the racing industry is furious the government did not follow the example of NSW and Victoria by allocating the funds to prize money increases.
Curis Munce, head of the Australia Trainers Association, has responded with a letter to the Queensland government on behalf of his organisation as well as the Queensland Jockeys Association, Queensland Racehorse Owners Association and Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders.
He says if the government does not come to the table their members will walk off the job at Doomben in Brisbane, as well as tracks on the Gold Coast and in Toowoomba on Cox Plate Day, October 27.
“We will follow this with another stand-down day on Tuesday the 6th of November (Melbourne Cup Day) with further days to occur if a satisfactory outcome is not achieved,” Mr Munce wrote.
Deputy Queensland Opposition Leader Tim Mander said the planned strikes were extraordinary.
“The thought the racing industry could go on strike is unprecedented, and shows the lack of confidence they have in the Palaszczuk government,” Mr Mander said on Friday.
NSW has a 10 per cent POC tax, while Victoria imposes an 8 per cent levy, with Queensland introducing a 15 per cent tax this week.