Mr. Andrew Coonan:

To answer Senator Susan O'Keeffe's question on what conversations have occurred on media rights and jockeys' entitlements as being the front of office - this is what the world sees when a horse takes part in a race - these conversations have been short and very negative. There has been no offer under the current regime. My consideration is set out on the last page of my submission. This point is not exclusive to jockeys, as trainers do not participate in the benefits; neither do the owners nor the stable staff. The 1994 legislation is entirely inequitable. It is open to challenge, but it has not yet been challenged. The Bill presents an opportunity to address it and it needs to be addressed. It can be done through the media rights committee. For this reason, it is very important that it be considered. It would be to the benefit of all to hear the views of Mr. Weld on the issues raised by Senator Mary Ann O'Brien on the input of foreign investment. Hearing the views of someone very much at the coalface of dealing with domestic and international owners would be worthwhile. The difficulty we have with funding which I will not rehash as all members are aware of it is fundamental to the success of the industry.