Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll add a bit of excitement this evening, because quite frankly this week is an exciting week. It's exciting because we are riding high in the state of Victoria with the Spring Racing Carnival running from August to November, hitting its full stride at the moment. While I can't be at Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, being here at the Senate and celebrating the industry and its people feels like the next best thing. I must say, dress for the occasion too. For any lover of horseracing—as Senator Chisholm will no doubt attest—the Melbourne Cup carnival, headlined by the race that stops a nation, captures the spirit, splendour and passion of Victoria.

But it's not all about the horses, the jockeys, the trainers, the fast finishes and the fashion; it's about the people, the communities and the enormous work that brings the carnival and the wider industry to life every single year. Victoria's thoroughbred racing industry delivers a remarkable $3.8 billion in economic benefit each year, with $1.8 billion flowing directly into regional areas. Last year's Melbourne Cup carnival delivered a record $502 million economic benefit to Victoria—that's 81c of every dollar spent—while contributing over $1 billion nationally. Across the four days, the carnival drew more than 285,000 visitors—with 45 per cent of general-admission ticket holders aged under 35—and 20,000 of the 285,000 were from overseas. These figures highlight that the carnival is a powerful economic engine for Victoria and our nation.

More broadly the Victorian racing industry supports 25,000 full-time-equivalent jobs and involves over 65,000 racehorse owners, many in regional parts. Across the state, 67 racetracks host more than 530 racing meetings each year, with over 75 per cent taking place in regional and country areas. Events like the 26 country cup meetings see small towns like Dunkeld swell from 600 to 10,000 people on cup day. These race days form the beating heart of many regional towns across Victoria, driving local businesses and tourism. Nationally, thoroughbred racing generates $9.5 billion a year, supports 75,000 full-time jobs and involves more than 140,000 racehorse owners. The carnival also highlights the sport's international prestige, attracting horses from the USA, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan and New Zealand. This year, Parchment Party becomes the first US trained horse to run in the Melbourne Cup.

Equally important is the significant work being done in equine welfare. Since the introduction of 41 new safety measures back in 2021, the Melbourne Cup has recorded no significant injuries, setting a global benchmark for equine welfare and safety. Since 2017, Racing Victoria's prizemoney contribution, now at two per cent, has enabled an investment of $44 million in welfare programs. Through its 2023-27 equine welfare strategic plan, Racing Victoria addresses seven focus areas, including physical and behavioural welfare, traceability and life after racing. Since 2021, we've had 4,200 welfare checks that have been conducted, 670 subsidised scans have been provided through the so-called 'Medicare for horses' diagnostic imaging program, 2,300 thoroughbreds have been retrained and rehomed, and 15,000 retired racehorses now compete in the off-the-track events. These programs reflect Victoria's leadership in horse care and integrity.

This is a whole-of-industry effort with trainers, owners, breeders, vets and Racing Victoria all working together to ensure every horse receives the care and protection it deserves. That is why I am proud to celebrate this vital industry—one that sustains jobs, connect communities, drives economic growth and showcases Victoria and the nation to the world. The Spring Racing Carnival isn't just a celebration of competition and tradition; it's a celebration of the people, places and horses that embody Victoria's spirit, excellence, care and community pride. As the Melbourne Cup carnival thunders down the home straight, I can only say this: if parliament had a photo finish, I reckon we all know which chamber would be first past the post.