With 8,000 people having attended a music festival on the Mornington Peninsula on the weekend, it is time Racing Minister Martin Pakula got crowds back to the races.
To see the footage of thousands of revellers partying in close proximity makes a mockery of the strict crowd limit that’s stopping so many racing enthusiasts from enjoying the sport they love.
Racetracks the length and breadth of the state by nature have open expanses that can be managed to ensure they are COVID safe.
At present, spectator attendance on course is subject to approval being under the Victorian Government’s Public Events Framework.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Racing Tim Bull
One wonders why the Racing Minister has been so slow to act again. Why is racing under such a tight rein when the Government allows 8,000 at a music festival?
The majority of race meetings have far less than this on course, but it is an important industry to the Victorian economy and a major employer and we need to get it back on its feed, not holding it back.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021