Following the broadcast of ABC’s Four Corners program, ‘Making A Killing’ on 16 February 2016, the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister For Racing, the Hon. Troy Grant, MP, acted decisively to intervene by seeking the resignation of the Greyhound Racing NSW NSW (GRNSW) Board and the removal of its then Chief Executive.
In response to the Deputy Premier’s intervention, on 19 February 2015, the GRNSW Board passed a majority resolution for each Board Member of GRNSW to immediately resign their membership and for the powers of GRNSW to be transferred to an interim CEO, Mr Paul Newson.
The appalling misconduct by numerous participants within the industry, as revealed by the Four Corners program, occurred during the tenure of the then Board and CEO. Notwithstanding the majority resolution of the Board to resign, one GRNSW Board Member, Mr David Clarkson, refused to do so. On 4 March 2015, the Deputy Premier acted to withdraw Mr Clarkson’s appointment.
Following the Deputy Premier’s intervention, Mr Clarkson issued a letter of demand then commenced civil proceedings against GRNSW, claiming an entitlement to be paid $17,305.13 in remuneration for his services whilst a Board Member and for future remuneration that Mr Clarkson would have received had he completed his full term on the Board.
The matter was heard by Magistrate Hudson in the Sydney Downing Centre on Tuesday 1 December 2015 and it has been adjourned part heard to be finally determined at a later date.
GRNSW will make no further comment on the matter while the determination of Mr Clarke’s claim is still before the court.
Visit the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in New South Wales’ website at Inquiry.justice.nsw.gov.au">www.greyhoundracingInquiry.justice.nsw.gov.au for a comprehensive view of its examination of the past welfare, integrity and governance failures of the NSW greyhound racing industry.
