Local horse owners to be slugged with new disease levy
2nd September, 2008
Members of pony clubs and owners of horses for leisure and recreation will be hardest hit by a new horse disease response levy being introduced by the Rudd Labor Government, Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, has warned.Speaking in Federal Parliament last night on the Horse Disease Response Levy Bill 2008, Mr Truss said that under the legislation more than 80 percent of the horse industry’s share of the cost of future disease responses would be met by pleasure horse owners. Only 20 percent would be met by thoroughbreds and the racing industry.
“Labor’s levy would apply equally to all new horse registrations, regardless of whether the horse is used for recreation or commercial purposes," Mr Truss said.
The proposed levy does not take into account the degree of risk associated with different sectors within the equine industry.
“Obviously there are higher risks associated with the thoroughbred sector which imports race horses and shuttle stallions, while horses that are only used for local events or on family properties are much less likely to be a disease risk. Yet Mr Rudd wants to charge the same levy for every horse.”
Mr Truss said he believes the horse industry should be a part of the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement. The Agreement shares costs between governments and industry for disease eradication responses and will give the industry a seat at the table when decisions are made about horse disease issues.
The horse industry wants to become a partner to the Agreement but many sectors believe the proposed levy collection arrangements are unfair.
“The proposal is particularly unfair to those mums and dads and their children, who own a horse and participate in non-commercial, recreation activities.
“The Liberal and National parties do not support the Bill and will demand that the Government consults the industry further to come up with a more equitable scheme. If the government does not act we will establish a Senate Inquiry into the levy proposal,” Mr Truss said.
