Harness Racing: an industry, a sport, a supporter of regional Australia

Harness Racing Australia (HRA) knows that for real and sensible government policy to be made, quality research and evidence based policy arguments are essential.

With this in mind, HRA have today released a new, current and definitive research on the size and scope of the Harness Racing Industry in Australia.  This independent research was produced by IER and provides a robust assessment of the full range of industry activity.

While HRA have been talking with governments on a range of specific issues including quarantine matters, disciplinary structures, and gambling reform in recent times, it is important to detail, promote and celebrate the social and economic impacts of our industry. Equally, it is important to demonstrate that harness racing is a sport which helps sustain significant parts of regional Australia.

In summary, some of the key findings from the report are:

• Over 48,000 people participate in our industry and around 30,000 of these are in regional Australia.
• The industry provides over 19,000 Australian jobs - 40% of these in regional Australia.
• More than $511 million is spent on producing and preparing racing stock for the industry – 64% of which is in regional areas.
• Harness racing contributes significantly to community building, education and training, health, leisure and the environment.  For example, over 326 community organisations or charities are assisted financially through our industry.
• Our industry contributes more than $1,421 million in value added to the Gross National Product – 61% is in regional Australia.

The Size & Scope of the Harness Racing Industry in Australia also provides a full assessment of the economic impacts, employment and participation, breeding, training, ownership, wagering and the social benefits of the industry in separate State summaries.

HRA hope that all industry stakeholders find the report to be informative, and encourage use of the contents wherever possible in support and promotion of the industry's interests.

A full copy of the report can be viewed here.

For more information contact Gary Kairn, Operations Manager, Harness Racing Australia on 03 92273003 or by email on gkairn@hra.harness.org.au