MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has welcomed news that the Greyhound Racing NSW Board has agreed to step down and also stand aside the CEO following an ultimatum from Deputy Premier Troy Grant.
“Like everyone in the community I was shocked and disgusted by the revelations earlier this week on the ABC’s Four Corners program about the prevalence of live baiting in the greyhound industry,” Mr Marshall said.
“This week I’ve spoken to a large number of people within and outside the industry who were disgusted and want heads to roll and reforms made to stamp out this awful and illegal activity and restore integrity and transparency to the sport.
“The board being disbanded and the CEO stepping aside are welcome first steps and I am very pleased that Justice McHugh’s review of the industry will now be strengthened in light of the recent revelations
Mr Marshall said the current review being undertaken by Justice McHugh into the NSW greyhound industry will be further strengthened and expanded.
“It is quite clear that self-regulation of the industry under the current structure and culture within greyhounds has failed,” he said.
The Greyhound NSW board’s powers have been referred to an interim CEO, Paul Newson, who is currently head of the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR). Mr Newson will continue the day to day operations and strictly enforce any breaches of the rules of racing including those that make it illegal to live bait in NSW.
“It’s absolutely clear that the community does not tolerate this sort of activity and that anyone caught blooding their dogs mustbe kicked out of the sport for life,” Mr Marshall said.
“I know there are many good people involved in greyhound racing that do the right thing and are equally appalled at what has been revealed.
“They support the review, which will develop a new model of governance to ensure the integrity of the industry and the abhorrent practice of live baiting is stamped out for good.”
Mr Marshall said Justice McHugh’s review of the greyhound industry would be put before Parliament later this year.