This amendment to the Budget Bill, brought forward by ACT Greens MLA Jo Clay, sought to phase out government funding for the horseracing industry.
Having run on a platform of integrity, Thomas aims to use his position on the crossbench to keep the government accountable to its commitments. Given the ACT Government had already committed to the funding Ms Clay was seeking to pull, with the current funding agreement expiring in 2027, Thomas decided not to support this amendment. Thomas had also previously indicated that, not being in a position to propose an alternative budget, he would be supporting the passage of the Budget Bill despite disagreeing with elements of it.
During the debate, Thomas expressed his support for the intent of Ms Clay’s amendment. His position is that this funding should not continue beyond the expiry of the current agreement.
The amendment was also opposed by the Canberra Liberals, ACT Labor, and fellow independent Fiona Carrick MLA.