Jockeys miss start of racing season?

Date: 18 July 2007

Tasmanian jockeys are being forced to turn their back on the track and boycott the start of the racing season in August unless the workers' compensation crisis is resolved.

The warning has been issued today by The Australian Workers' Union and the Tasmanian Jockeys' Association.

AWU Tasmania Branch Secretary Ian Wakefield said the workers' compensation overhaul for Tasmanian jockeys had fallen through the cracks and repeated broken promises would force thoroughbred racing in Tasmania to come to a standstill.

Mr Wakefield said the State Government was delivering on promises to amend compensation legislation for jockeys but the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council was delaying the process after failing to provide vital information.

"Jockeys are passionate about their work; without that there would be no industry because their conditions are no incentive," Mr Wakefield said.

"The Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council has to stop its 'master-servant' relationship with jockeys or the industry in Tasmania is going to collapse."

The AWU and the TJA are demanding that Tasmania's 20 jockeys be covered under the State's Workers' Compensation scheme. Currently, Tasmanian jockeys are being forced to ride without workers' compensation cover while all of their interstate colleagues are protected.

Tasmanian Jockeys' Association Secretary Kevin Ring expressed frustration that after fighting for compensation for 15 years, a resolution was still no closer.

Mr Ring also attributed blame for delays on TOTE Tasmania for continually stalling its commitment to the compensation package.

He added that unless all stakeholders delivered swift responses to the Government's investigation and legislation was not fast-tracked, the racing season could be delayed for months.

"There have been many false starts and promises with compensation for jockeys. The way it's going it won't be ready for the start of the season on 1 August."

For further information

WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au/

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