Today, Rod supported the motion to further the conversation on whipping in horse racing.

See speech here:

I rise to speak on Motion 619 regarding the use of whips in horse racing.

I will be supporting this motion today.

Racing Victoria’s Chief Executive, Giles Thompson has said and I quote, “It is Racing Victoria’s view that progress on whip reform is needed now.”

I think this is a conversation that should be able to continue at a national level to ensure that the sport aligns with community expectations.

At this time, national consensus has not been reached on any reform to the use of the whip. This is something we should be working towards.

This is a decision for Racing Australia to make and it has to be uniform across the country.

I support the furthering of the conversation around this issue and I look forward to seeing what comes from it.

It is vital to the industry that Australian racing retains its existing audiences and attracts new fans and employees.

There are many different perspectives and I believe it is always important that there is consultation with those in the industry and efforts to reach some form of agreement on new regulations.

I commend this motion to the house.