Ms Thomas, who grew up in Wodonga, thanked Racing Minister Martin Pakula for a funding announcement last month and criticised Mr Tilley for not doing it himself.

“The member for Benambra hardly makes a peep in this place, so I thought I might point out that it was fantastic to see our minister deliver a $271,000 boost for key race day attractions and infrastructure at the Wodonga racecourse, a racecourse that I have attended on many, many occasions,” she said.

Mr Tilley told The Border Mail a lot of work was happening behind the scenes to build on the racecourse for horse racing and as a venue for conferences.

“She’s got some sort of set against me probably because this might be her hometown, sadly she has this infatuation and likes to have a swipe. It’s undignified,” he said. “She should be worrying about the area she now represents.”

The comments came as Ms Thomas was speaking in Parliament to support a bill to tighten restrictions of gambling advertising.

Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy also supported the bill this week, saying it was a good move to ban sport betting advertising within 150 metres of schools and public transport such as bus shelters and railway stations.

The new laws would make sure gambling areas could not be seen from playgrounds at restaurants.

Mr McCurdy said gambling was a legitimate activity and provided entertainment to some people, but could cause considerable harm to others.

“As a community we have an obligation to support those who cannot manage themselves, whether it is in health, employment or other conditions that Victorians encounter,” he said.

“Many might agree that the advertising of gambling in recent years has certainly gone a little bit over the top.

“Certainly TV and radio advertising, which primarily falls under the federal government’s jurisdiction, falls into this bucket. There is no doubt that a reduction in TV promotion of gambling would be a good thing.”

He said young people in their formative years at school may think everyone bets on sport because they are constantly surrounded by advertising.

“Banning gambling is not the answer. It will only create a black market, and over the years we have seen what happens then, with bootlegging and moonshine and illicit drugs,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Responsible gambling alongside responsible advertising is a far better response to support our communities and people with gambling problems.”