Industry bets its life on TAB

Hundreds of people have signed a Bunbury-based petition urging the State Government to abandon plans to sell WA TAB.

Bunbury Trotting Club general manager Julie Caldwell told the _South Western Times _the petition had been signed by trainers, owners and staff members who were worried about the impact of the rumoured multi-million dollar sale of WA TAB on the industry.

Mrs Caldwell said she did not agree with privatisation because of the experience of sell-offs in the Eastern States.

She was, however, resigned to the sell-off and said the trotting club would have to deal with the consequences.

"It seems the benefits of the sell-off do not outweigh the benefits of keeping it," she said.

"The flow-on effects are felt through the entire industry.

"Based on what has happened over east, I do not think it is a good business model."

Mrs Caldwell has sent the petition to Belmont MLA Glenys Godfrey, one of the members of WA's Parliament opposed to the sell-off.

The future of WA TAB is crucial to the entire racing industry because it receives more than $100 million annually from the profits.

Murray-Wellington MLA Murray Cowper this week demanded the Government commission research on the benefits of selling.

Mr Cowper told the _Times _ he did not have a clear position on the issue because not enough information was available.

"There is nothing to be convinced about because at this particular point of time, there has been no proposal," he said.

Bunbury Turf Club also had no formal position on the sale because "there is just not enough information at this stage", acting chairman Ross Price said.

Racing and Gaming Minister Colin Holt said the Government would ensure "an open and consultative due diligence process with the industry to make sure all the relevant information is understood".