❓ Hon Jess Beckerling asks the Minister for Racing and Gaming about the suspension of greyhound racing in Tasmania due to kennel cough and requests a suspension of greyhound imports from affected states. The Minister declines, citing veterinary advice and existing biosecurity protocols.

Greyhound racing—Kennel cough79.Hon Jess Beckerlingto theminister representing the Minister for Racing and Gaming:I refer to an ABC article published online on 20 February 2026 titled "Tasmanian greyhound racing suspended over 'rapid spread' of kennel cough infection".(1) Is the minister aware that greyhound racing in Tasmania has been suspended temporarily due to kennel cough, pending the result of autopsies of three deceased dogs?(2) Given that dogs may have been moved from Tasmania to Victoria and New South Wales, will the minister suspend imports of greyhounds from those three states until autopsy results can confirm that the dogs died of kennel cough and not canine influenza?

Hon Matthew Swinbourn replied:I thank the member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me by the Minister for Racing and Gaming.(1) Yes. Tasmanian greyhound racing was suspended on 18 February following an outbreak of kennel cough. Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) became aware of the suspension on the same day.(2) No. RWWA advises, on veterinary advice, that a suspension on the movement of greyhounds into Western Australia is not warranted. Kennel cough is already widespread in Australia and dogs in Western Australia are more likely to be exposed to it from local contact. Western Australia already requires all newly arrived greyhounds, regardless of their state of origin, to be reported and isolated under standard biosecurity protocols, which remain appropriate at this time. Tasmania has also imposed its own restrictions on the movement of greyhounds, including interstate movements, while it manages the local situation. Greyhound racing—Kennel cough