The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) last week sent ballot papers to all 8,415 thoroughbred breeders registered with the Australian Stud Book (ASB).

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia CEO Chauncey Morris said the ballot will test the thoroughbred breeding industry’s support for a proposed statutory Thoroughbred Research and Development Levy that comprises:

A charge of $10 per mare covered per season and paid by the stallion owner, and

A charge of $10 per mare returned per season and paid by the broodmare owner

The ballot opened on Monday, July 15 and will close on Thursday, August 8 with the count conducted at the Melbourne Office of the AEC.

“Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) strongly urges the industry to vote YES in support of the levy proposal,” Morris said.  “We will be able to fund practical thoroughbred-specific research that focuses on developing healthy, commercial foals and yearlings, leading to increased net farm income.

“If supported by thoroughbred breeders and subsequently approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the levy will be matched dollar for dollar by the Australian Government.

“Together with ongoing voluntary contributions from the thoroughbred racing sector will provide a more secure Thoroughbred R&D fund of around $1 million per annum for investment in vital R&D projects.”