Are HRV broke?

[Messenger]

You could summarize the interview as 'we should have made bigger cuts much faster'.
The fact is that such cuts have / are being eased in - HRV/the Govt do not want to put hundreds of people out of work overnight.
Sadly however, I see it as nothing more than giving the hundreds that will be smart enough to leave - a bit of time to transition/go elsewhere
The only way this cannot be true is for a Messiah or some brilliant ideas

[trish]

I bet a few are wishing they did a David Akein.
Smart move David.

[trish]

Some light on fields at Menangle tonight maybe some Victorians will move asap.

[Messenger]

Did anybody make it to the rally?

[Yabbie]

Did anybody make it to the rally?

About 400 people! With apologies from over 200.
Refer to the article on Harnesslink.
I will copy the post from Harness Racing in Australia when I can get to my computer

[Messenger]

Thanks Carol (oops I forgot to look on Harnesslink)

https://harnesslink.com/australia/vi...-and-centre-2/

Four resolutions were carried unanimously calling for Minister Carbines to understand:

1. Leadership and Governance Reform is needed at HRV to lead and oversee the Harness Racing Industry in Victoria.
2. A commitment is needed to fast-track HRV to a low-cost administration model
3. It is critical to ensure that HRV retains some form of equity share in the Melton Land to create a future fund for the Industry
4. Withdraw the request for HRV to sign over the Melton Land to enable critical consultation to occur with the Harness Racing Industry

[Yabbie]

This is the post on various forums regarding yesterday's rally at Bendigo:

follow up from today’s rally. Please read below. We need EVERYONE in our industry to do this asap. Please.

We are asking all participants and stakeholders that have concerns about the current state of Harness Racing in Victoria to email their local MP, Racing Minister Anthony Carbines, Member for Melton Steve McGhie and Opposition Spokesperson for Racing Tim Bull. Its essential that participants contact these MP's

Email template is attached with suggested wording of the email.

Even better if participants can contact their MP and arrange a time to meet with them to discuss their concerns in person.

Anyone who wants a copy of the presentation delivered today can email the VHRC requesting this. Email address is vhrsc@vhrsc.com.au
—————————————————-
Urgent Action Needed to Address the Crisis in the Victorian Harness Racing Industry

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to you as a concerned participant in the Victorian Harness Racing Industry to bring to your attention the reckless financial management at Harness Racing Victoria (HRV), which now poses a significant threat to the future of our industry.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in employment and administration costs at HRV, with the number of full-time employees at 30 June 2023 more than double that of Harness Racing NSW. Following substantial financial losses in 2022 and 2023, HRV has confirmed that it will record a devastating $24 million loss in the 2024 financial year. Furthermore, it has been revealed that HRV, without consulting the industry, has cashed in Harness Racing’s $100 million future fund—a 94-hectare land parcel at Melton—in an attempt to resolve its financial crisis.

This situation at HRV requires urgent attention. Without immediate intervention, there will be devastating prizemoney cuts ranging from $10 million (22%) to $18 million (40%) over the next three years. Such cuts will jeopardize the livelihoods of 5,000 industry workers and threaten the $670 million in economic contribution that our industry provides to the State of Victoria.

We urge the Racing Minister in Victoria, Anthony Carbines, to take immediate action to support the Harness Racing Industry by introducing the following measures:

1. Leadership and Governance Reform: There is a clear need for new leadership at HRV to lead and oversee the recovery process and restore confidence in the governance of the industry.
2. Adopt a Low-Cost Administration Model: A commitment to fast-tracking HRV to a low-cost administration model in Victoria is essential to reduce the magnitude of proposed prizemoney cuts.
3. Retain an Equity Share in the Melton Land: It is critical for Harness Racing to maintain an equity share in the Melton land to ensure a future fund for the sustainability of the Industry.
4. Withdraw the Request for HRV to sign over ownership of the Melton Land: Consultation with the Harness Racing Industry has not taken place on the Melton Land deal and its critical that the Industry be consulted prior to losing their future fund.

We trust that you will support our cause and advocate for the necessary changes that Harness Racing in Victoria urgently requires. Your support is crucial to ensuring the long-term viability of our industry and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

Also the list of MP's addresses for your reference:
https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net...Tw&oe=66D1AF76

[Messenger]

Thanks Carol

I cannot see pt. 3 and 4 happening because the Government itself is so broke (this could well have been the reason for the 2019 changes to the Statutory Bodies having to return proceeds of asset sales to the gov)
For pt.1 The CEO is new so I am not sure that he should go and I think he is trying to do pt.2

Has it been made clear whether the comparisons to NSW are fair - do their numbers include Menangle/the Menangle Club

I wonder if there were some participants Not at the meeting as they might wonder whether being seen at the rally could have repercussions

[Yabbie]

Thanks Carol

I cannot see pt. 3 and 4 happening because the Government itself is so broke (this could well have been the reason for the 2019 changes to the Statutory Bodies having to return proceeds of asset sales to the gov)
For pt.1 The CEO is new so I am not sure that he should go and I think he is trying to do pt.2

Has it been made clear whether the comparisons to NSW are fair - do their numbers include Menangle/the Menangle Club

I wonder if there were some participants Not at the meeting as they might wonder whether being seen at the rally could have repercussions

The figures are taken from the last annual reports published by both Vic and NSW and do not include either Melton or Menangle so it is a level playing field

There were over 200 apologies received - I'm sure there were some who did not attend for possible repercussions. Attendees were a pretty fair representation of owners, breeders, trainers, drivers, bookmakers and other industry participants, spanning from young participants to those who have been in the industry for many many years.

[Messenger]

Thanks again Carol
When I say Menangle Club, I am meaning Menangle as a whole - track etc, for there have been some claims that the entire staff for Menangle are not included in HRNSW figures whereas I thought Melton racing would have to be included in HRV's figures