The ACT Greens have criticized the “community” independents for siding with the Labor and Liberal parties to continue taxpayer funding of the horse racing industry, which they argue provides no public benefit and causes harm through gambling and animal welfare issues. Despite the ACT Budget facing financial pressures, the government continues to allocate $8.5 million annually to support this declining industry, which the Greens say primarily benefits private interests rather than the broader community. The Greens have repeatedly proposed budget amendments since 2022 to phase out this funding gradually, aiming to reduce it by 80% this year, but these efforts have been blocked.

The horse racing industry in the ACT has received over $100 million in public funds since 2011, despite official acknowledgments that the subsidy lacks justification. While the industry claims economic contributions, 60% of this is linked to gambling and advertising, which the Greens argue is harmful. They call on the ACT Labor Government not to renew the funding agreement when it expires in 2027 and urge independents to support ending the taxpayer subsidy to prioritize public good over vested interests.