The deal ends in 2027. Let's make sure it stays that way.

Full petition text:

To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory
 
The following residents of the ACT draw the attention of the Assembly that:
 
Since 2011, the ACT Government has provided more than $100 million to the horseracing industry – more than all of Canberra’s community and professional sports combined, and outside of any grant or tender process.
 
The current deal, only made public after the Greens forced disclosure, hands over more than $8 million a year. In that same period, Canberra Racing Club attendance and memberships have fallen, the Club has posted repeated deficits, and management pay has skyrocketed almost fourfold, jumping from $201,000 to $780,000.
 
According to Canberra Racing Club annual reports and official stewards' reports, from 2023 to 2025 there were at least 21 horse deaths and one jockey fatality. As the ACT’s most dangerous industry, they can no longer afford worker’s compensation insurance, so the Government created a special taxpayer-funded safety net that no other sector can access.
 
Meanwhile, the horseracing industry is now proposing to develop luxury apartments on the racecourse site, with no provision for schools, shops, community halls, health facilities, or public housing that Lyneham and surrounding suburbs need.
 
Betting causes real harm to individuals, families, and our community. It’s time for public money to serve the public interest.
 
Your petitioners therefore request the Assembly to call on the ACT Government to:

• require any racecourse redevelopment to deliver community infrastructure – including schools, shops, community halls, early childhood centres, health facilities, public and community housing, parks and open space, and the rejuvenation of Sullivans Creek – with land for these uses formally designated before any private development can begin.
• end public funding to the horseracing industry when the current deal expires in June 2027; and
• ensure the industry pays its fair share of tax, including the lease variation charge.