AgriFutures Australia: Thoroughbred Breeding Industry Workforce Strategy

Summary

This project will develop an evidence-based, stakeholder-informed Workforce Strategy for the Australian Thoroughbred Breeding Industry, designed to strengthen workforce attraction, retention and career pathways in alignment with national agricultural workforce priorities.
The industry contributes $1.68 billion annually to the Australian economy and employs over 9,000 people, primarily in rural and regional areas. However, it faces critical workforce challenges including persistent shortages in physical roles, limited career and training pathways, reliance on temporary and international labour and low visibility as an attractive career option. Seasonal demands and misalignment between government role classifications and industry recognition further compound these pressures.
Through data analysis, industry consultation and stakeholder co-design, this project will deliver a comprehensive workforce profile, role classification framework and strategic roadmap to build a sustainable and resilient workforce. It will review existing education and training programs, identify skill and capability gaps, assess barriers to participation and explore opportunities for migration and policy alignment.
A key focus will be to uncover and articulate the industry’s unique value proposition, including its lifestyle, community connection, transferable skills and global pathways, and translate this into actionable attraction and retention strategies.
The final deliverable will be a publishable Workforce Strategy and Implementation Plan supported by measurable recommendations, ensuring the thoroughbred breeding industry is positioned for long-term workforce stability, competitiveness and growth.

Program

Thoroughbred Horses

Research Organisation

Brand Rebellion Pty Ltd.

Objective Summary

The key objective of this project is to develop an evidence-based, stakeholder-informed Workforce Strategy that strengthens the long-term sustainability, resilience and visibility of Australia’s Thoroughbred Breeding Industry.
Through deep analysis, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning, the project will deliver a roadmap that addresses workforce shortages, improves attraction and retention and positions the sector as a globally competitive and rewarding career destination.
The strategy will:

Improve recognition and visibility, by positioning the industry as a viable and career of choice through a compelling value proposition.
Build clear and accessible pathways, mapping education, training and career progression opportunities to strengthen entry, development and retention.
Stabilise and grow the workforce, developing strategies that balance local participation with sustainable migration and mobility pathways.
Strengthen diversity and inclusion, engaging underrepresented groups and broadening participation across regions and demographics.
Create accountability and momentum, through a sequenced implementation plan, measurable KPIs and an evaluation framework to track progress and impact.

By aligning industry insights with broader national workforce priorities, this project will deliver a practical, actionable and future-focused strategy. It will address both immediate workforce challenges while setting the foundation for long-term capability, stability and pride in the people who sustain one of Australia’s most iconic and economically imperative industries.