Peter McGauran delivers free public lecture on the worst exotic disease outbreak in Australia’s history
Press release
27 August 2008
The outbreak of Equine Influenza in August 2007 was as unexpected as it was savage. The overnight unraveling of the racing industry and scenes of distraught pony club members led news bulletins around the country.
The man at the centre of this maelstrom was former Minister for Agriculture Peter McGauran and on Thursday 30 October 2008, from 6:00 – 7:00pm, he will deliver a free public lecture – ‘The Equine Influenza Story and its aftermath’ at the University of Melbourne. Attendees will hear him talk for the first time on the view from the inside of the worst exotic disease outbreak in Australia’s history.
For weeks on end it captivated the public’s interest as the economic losses totalled hundreds of millions of dollars. All the while the largest disease response ever undertaken was in full swing. For a Federal Minister of Agriculture it was the perfect storm of economic, social and scientific forces combining in the most politically volatile mix imaginable.
The ban on horse movements crippled the competition horse sector and deprived many pleasure horse clubs and events of essential revenue. Service providers ranging from farriers and vets to float drivers and saddlers were hit hard and turned to the Government for financial assistance. Then the Melbourne Cup was threatened.
As the former Federal Minister for Agriculture, Peter is well experienced to champion such causes. He was the MP for Gippsland for 25 years, during which time he served in various Ministerial portfolios.
During his time as Minister for Agriculture, Peter developed and implemented the $245 million Equine Influenza (EI) Assistance Package for the horse industries. Peter was also a strong advocate for farming families and delivered the greatest ever commitment to drought assistance, providing more support for farmers and extending assistance to support small business and communities devastated by the drought.
Today, Peter is the CEO of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse Ltd. His principal role is to secure greater sales of Australian horses, both within Australia and overseas, which will benefit breeders and the racing industry as a whole. He also represents breeders on issues such as taxation, biosecurity and quarantine, which requires careful lobbying of State and Federal Governments.
Event details:
Thursday 30 October 2008
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Registration will commence at 5:15pm
Bio21 Institute, 30 Flemington Rd, the University of Melbourne
Drinks and light refreshments will be available upon arrival
Due to catering arrangements, bookings are essential. This lecture will become booked out so email ajone@unimelb.edu.au or phone (03) 8344 7844 or book a place online – www.vet.unimelb.edu.au. Booking deadline – Friday 3 October 2008
For further information please contact Andrea Jones, Marketing Manager, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Tel: 8344 7844 or email: ajone@unimelb.edu.au