In a recent Media Release, the Minister for Racing Victoria was pleased to announce more than $57,000 tax payers' dollars are going into celebrating  the Chinese Year of the Monkey, by encouraging families to take their children to a horse racing event at Moonee Valley Racing Club.  I am all for our culturally diverse communities celebrating traditionally significant events, but it is appalling to link it to an industry that causes such devastating community problems, and has  been implicated in animal welfare concerns.

The club is said to be giving away “ lucky red packets as well as a thousand race-books, available in English and Chinese and free show bags for the kids”. Rather than the government trying to discourage children from becoming future gambling addicts, it is encouraging the practice by drawing them in with “show-bags”.

The Minister was quoted as saying, “I encourage everyone to get along and enjoy a night of vibrant celebrations, including dragon dancing and entertainment for all ages”. Children would be much better off attending street festivals, music events, galleries, museums and theatres, rather than  festivals that may lead to a future life of gambling addiction.

Link: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/racegoers-welcome-year-of-the-monkey/

Please sign this petition to tell the Minister this is not the sort of event that should be funded to help families celebrate the Chinese New Year.