Tasmania to End Greyhound Racing Funding: Why This Is Huge News for Greyhounds

The Tasmanian Government has announced it will stop funding greyhound racing from 2029.

It’s a landmark decision that could reshape the conversation around greyhound racing across Australia.

Why 2029 and Not Sooner?

The state’s current 20-year funding agreement with the racing industry, covering both greyhound and horse racing, ends in 2029. While it means funding will continue for another four years, the government’s decision not to renew the deal is a decisive step towards ending taxpayer support for greyhound racing.

Why Funding Matters

Greyhound racing in Australia is not financially sustainable without government money.

Under the 2009–2029 funding arrangement, Tasmania’s greyhound racing industry has received:

• $75 million in taxpayer funding since 2009

• $7.3 million in the 2023–24 financial year alone

Without this funding, the industry would struggle to survive.

It’s Not Just Tasmania

Tasmania’s situation is not unique. Other states continue to prop up greyhound racing with public money:

• Victoria: Recently provided an emergency government loan and over $16 million in funding in FY24, yet the industry still posted a loss

• NSW, WA, SA: Continue to provide grants and stimulus packages to the greyhound racing industry

The Bigger Picture in Australia

Australia has more greyhound racing tracks than any other country in the world: 65 in total.

Only the ACT has banned greyhound racing entirely. In 2017, NSW briefly banned the sport before reversing the decision, likely due to intense industry lobbying.

Internationally, greyhound racing bans have been implemented in Vietnam, Wales, Scotland and New Zealand in recent years.

Tasmania’s approach, cutting funding rather than issuing an outright ban, is effectively a way to end racing without a politically risky headline.

What This Could Mean for the Rest of the Country

If Tasmania’s funding cut is implemented smoothly, it could encourage other states to follow suit.

Public sentiment is already shifting away from support for greyhound racing, including 69% of Australians being against taxpayer funding for greyhound racing.

What Happens Next?

With state elections in Victoria and South Australia in 2026, now is the time to pressure governments to commit to ending greyhound racing funding.

You can help by:

• Writing to your local MP and asking them to end government funding for greyhound racing

• Supporting advocacy groups such as Coalition to Protect Greyhounds

• Donating to or fostering for independent greyhound rescues like Gumtree Greys

• Talking about the issue with friends, family, and on social media to raise awareness

A Win Made Possible by Public Pressure

This decision didn’t happen in isolation, it’s the result of years of activism, advocacy, and community pressure.

Tasmanian campaigners, rescue groups, and concerned citizens played a vital role in achieving this milestone.

The message is clear: when people speak up, change happens. Now is the time to build on this momentum and ensure that greyhound racing funding ends across Australia.

Take Action

Tasmania’s decision is proof that taxpayer funding for greyhound racing can end, and that public voices matter. If you’d like to email your MP about ending funding in your state, I’ve created a ready-to-use template letter you can send today.