Neither Peters, who in 2006 was responsible for introducing key tax changes for racing that earned praise from industry leaders in almost god-like terms, nor his staff responded to several requests from the Otago Daily Times about whether he would support proposed changes to the Racing Act post-election.
However, Labour and the Green Party both confirmed their support, in principle, for amending the Racing Act.
"We would support offshore operators paying their fair share to contribute to racing and sports in NZ," Green Party gambling spokesman Barry Coates said.
"We cannot yet say whether we will support the proposed changes, since it depends on the wording and the detail, but we would support legislation on the above point in principle."
Labour's racing spokesman, Kris Faafoi, said his party also supported the changes in principle. He labelled them as critical for the industry.
"Labour will have to wait to see the legislation, if the Government gets around to introducing it, before it gives it guaranteed support, but if it resembles the options mooted by officials and the working party, we would have no issue supporting it."
With the clock winding down on Parliament before the election, both parties were critical of the Government for not making the amendment a priority and getting it through sooner.
However, new Racing Minister David Bennett, just weeks into the job, has changed that momentum.
Bennett formally introduced the bill into the house on Monday, and is hopeful its first reading will be completed soon.
"We are looking at a first reading in early August sometime," he said. "With Parliament finished by August 17, we have got to get it done before then."
