As many industry participants would know, I have taken on the role as interim CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW, pending a comprehensive review of the industry in this state led by The Honourable Michael McHugh AC, QC.
This establishment of the review follows the airing of a Four Corners program titled ‘Making a Killing’ on 16 February 2015. The program included graphic surveillance footage depicting the use of live animals for the purpose of ‘live baiting’.
The report was confronting and alleged that high profile members of the greyhound racing industry in multiple jurisdictions are actively involved in appalling mistreatment of animals and potentially criminal conduct.
My immediate task is to ensure the continued operations of greyhound racing in NSW while ensuing individuals engaged in misconduct are held to account and take immediate steps to enhance the investigative and enforcement capability of Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW). I am not in the Chief Executive role as the greyhound expert, my role is to steer the organisation while the review is undertaken and demonstrate animal welfare and integrity are the principal focus of the regulator going forward.
I will be moving quickly to identify and address welfare and integrity issues within the industry and to signal zero tolerance for mistreatment of animals and misconduct. GRNSW as the regulator must demonstrate and affirm its commitment to stamping out appalling practices such as live-baiting and repair the damage to public confidence in the conduct and oversight of the sport.
In recognition of the significance of the live-baiting revelations, the Deputy Premier Troy Grant, announced plans to strengthen and expand the McHugh Review. Justice McHugh has been joined on the review panel by the CEO of RSPCA NSW Steve Coleman, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jenkins – Commander State Crime Command, NSW Police Force, and the Chair of the Greyhound Racing Industry Consultation Group Ron Arnold.
The review panel met for the first time on Tuesday 24 February and has started its task of examining welfare and integrity issues and future governance and oversight options. The Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has also extended the period for submissions into the current statutory review of the Greyhound Racing Act 2009 until 2 March 2015, and encourages anyone that may have a view about the future regulatory environment to consider making a contribution.
Details on how to lodge a submission are on the OLGR website at www.olgr.nsw.gov.au.
There is no doubt these are tough times for the greyhound racing industry. Stamping out disgraceful practices such as live baiting is the immediate focus which includes sending clear statements around consequences for such inexcusable conduct. Without diminishing the challenges ahead I ask you to have faith in the collective commitment to address identified welfare and integrity issues and have confidence in the review process to provide a roadmap for the future.
I will continue to provide updates to participants and other key stakeholders as and when they come to hand.
Yours faithfully
Paul Newson
Chief Executive
Greyhound Racing NSW
