Harriss's Greyhound Racing Stance: Compensation Key

0:00Independent MLC Dean Harris says he'll back Tasmania's push to ban Greyhound Racing, but only if the government ups the compensation for industry. Folks, he's pointing to strong public pushback against taxpayer cash for the sport and the sorry state of state finances. The bill aims to phase it out, and right now, Premier Jeremy Rockliffe has put $4.8 million on the table to help participants exit. Last week, Debate got pushed back in the upper house after no clear path to pass. Now it's said for mid-May, but Harris has to win re-election in the Hewan seat first weekend of May to even vote. Without his seat or another band back or taking it, the bill stalls since it needs eight yes votes out of 15. Harris is swayed by an economist report showing the industry bleeds millions in public funds way more per person than anywhere else. He calls out how the government hyped the sport until suddenly pulling support post-election to hold power. Participants feel blindsided after years of encouragement. He's pushing for

1:01better payouts, noting Tasmania's offer is half when New Zealand gave when they banned it. Current backers include government members, a green, and one independent, but they need two more from key swing votes. With a tight race against other independence, labor, and greens' challenges, Harris's win could tip the scales toward the ban. Meanwhile, opponents like labor and some independence dig in, so mid-May's vote hangs on those election results. You've been listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news.