Parliament has repealed the ban on greyhound racing, and introduced reforms to the industry to improve integrity and improve animal welfare standards, Minister for Racing Paul Toole said today.
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“We can now begin the important work of implementing these changes to develop an ethical and sustainable greyhound racing industry,” Mr Toole said.
“One of our first tasks will be establishing the independent Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission with wide-ranging powers to target wrongdoing.”
The Government has committed $41 million over the next five years to implement the reforms, with $11 million for the new integrity commission and $30 million to improve animal welfare standards including track upgrades to reduce injury risks.
Mr Toole said extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders had provided a solid basis for the new laws.
“I thank the NSW Greyhound Industry Reform Panel led by former Premier Morris Iemma for the important work it did in developing recommendations to take the industry forward,” Mr Toole said.
“I also recognise the constructive way stakeholders, including the Greyhound Racing Industry Alliance and RSPCA NSW, worked together in providing input to the panel.
“Today marks a new start, with the NSW Government working in partnership with the greyhound industry for a stronger and sustainable future.”
The Government accepted all but one of the panel’s 122 recommendations including a new industry structure with separate commercial and regulatory functions.
Other key reforms include CCTV cameras at all public and certain private tracks, whole-of-life registration and tracking of greyhounds, tougher penalties for animal welfare abuses and an accreditation scheme for industry participants.
