The Liberals' new racing and gaming spokesman, Mark Parton, has defended having shares in in two racehorses, saying his involvement in the industry leaves him well-placed to take on the shadow portfolio.
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"What this is is a very minor involvement in a syndicate that races a couple of horses that aren't very good," he said. "It's a bit of fun."
Mr Parton, who also attends the greyhound races, began in broadcasting by calling greyhound, thoroughbred and harness racing, and said his part-lease in two horses gave him a good understanding of the industry.
"If it becomes problem for anyone ... and I have to step away from it, then so be it," he said. "But I think it would be most disappointing if that was the case."
Liberal leader Alistair Coe sought advice from the parliamentary ethics and integrity adviser, Stephen Skehill, before making the appointment.
Mr Skehill's advice, released by Mr Coe on Wednesday night, said the members' code of conduct did not prohibit a member "having an interest that may conceivably be perceived by some to conflict with their role", but required such interests to be appropriately managed.
"In my experience it is not generally expected that ministers and their shadows must have no connection whatsoever with their areas of portfolio interest – a state of "monastic celibacy" is not expected of such officeholders. For example, the minister for transport can hold and exercise the rights of a driver's licence," he said.
But he said that, in developing party policy on horse racing, it might be important for Mr Parton to abstain from decisions on any parts of the policy that could potentially impact their ownership interest, although in opposition he "would have little if any opportunity to exercise influence to secure a personal benefit".Mr Parton said he had set up the syndicate through social media about two years ago. There were 20 owners, including him, each with a 5 per cent share and each paying $50 a week to lease the horses, Cynthius and Agrionius.
Cynthius had had "two or three starts" and won nothing. Agrionius had won $47,000.
"It's not a profit-making venture. When you take out the percentage that goes to the owner of the lease and you take out the percentage that goes to the trainer and the jockey, no one is making money. This ain't Fell Swoop."
Mr Parton was referring to the horse part-owned by Mary Porter, who retired as a Labor parliamentarian earlier this year. Fell Swoop has won $1.28 million in prizemoney.
"I think we'll have a bit of fun with Agrionius because he's just a dour stayer," Mr Parton said. "But we really look upon it as a social event. It just gives us an excuse to go to the races from time to time."
Mr Coe said that, while it would be untenable for a racing minister to have a share in a racehorse, it was different for an opposition spokesman.
"In opposition we are not privy to any additional information, we do not have our hands on the levers of government policy. We are here as community representatives to put forward ideas and to consult with the community. And it would be different if we were in government," he said.
"The links that Mark has in the industry and the ability for him to consult with people is going to be of real advantage in terms of having issues heard."
Mr Coe dismissed Mr Parton's financial involvement in the industry as "trivial".
