TT-Line suspension of livestock service puts pressure on racing industry so emergency service begins

The state government announced its resumption of the livestock service, which includes the carriage of horses, on Tuesday, after concerns were aired by the Tasmanian racing industry about its ability to transport horses interstate.

The decision to suspend livestock transport on the TT-Line occurred after legal advice from the "very complex" court case dealing with the deaths of 16 polo ponies whilst on the ship.

Labor racing spokesman Dean Winter said Tasmanian and interstate horse racing participants were impacted by the suspension of the livestock service, which was putting "pressure" on the industry.

Transport Minister Jeremy Rockliff said an interim service would be in place for at least one month as the government continues to design and implement a way forward for a permanent service.

"After significant efforts and teamwork over the past few days, TT-Line Company is able to resume carriage of livestock, including horses, effective immediately for Devonport departures and from tomorrow, Wednesday 2 November, for Geelong departures," Mr Rockliff said.

"Since Friday we have led a team to find a solution to resume the carriage of livestock as soon as possible."

The interim measure involves Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania resources, which will support TT-Line to develop and implement procedures to assess the suitability of horse transport vehicles.

Mr Winter said the sudden loss of TT-Lines horse transport capacity had a significant impact on Tasmanian racing.

He said a short to medium term solution was needed.

"Melbourne Cup Day is a day where thousands of Tasmanians enjoy racing, but this year industry participants were concerned for their businesses," Mr Winter said.

"Transport of horses on and off island for breeding and racing is critical for the success of Tasmanian racing. Not since it shut down racing in 2020 has the Tasmanian Government put so much pressure onto racing participants."

He said trainer Scott Brunton was one of Tasmania's trainers impacted by the suspension, who had no way of getting a horse to a race in Melbourne.

"Similarly, Tasmania's Harness Racing code has significant meetings coming up in coming weeks, with horses from the mainland looking to make their mark here in Tasmania."

Mr Winter said professional businesses had a long successful track record of safely transporting horses on the Spirit of Tasmania.

"These operators were not associated with the loss of 16 polo ponies almost five years ago and have an excellent track record of safely transporting horses.

"They have transported hundreds of horses across Bass Strait safely over the years and it makes no sense for them to be prohibited from doing so."

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