The three commissioners to lead the new independent Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission have been appointed, NSW Minister for Racing Paul Toole said.
Experienced racing administrator and lawyer Alan Brown is the Chief Commissioner.
The other commissioners are former NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman Clare Petre and former NSW Natural Resources Commissioner John Keniry.
“These appointments mark a key step forward in a new era of greyhound racing based on the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare,” Mr Toole said.
“The three commissioners bring a diverse mix of skills and experience from within and outside the racing industry.”
Mr Brown, a special counsel at Gillis Delaney Lawyers, has served as chairman of both Racing NSW and the Sydney Turf Club.
He will oversee the establishment of the commission, including the transfer of regulatory and welfare functions from the reconstituted Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), which will run the industry’s commercial operations.
“Mr Brown’s strong legal background, racing industry experience and considered approach will deliver effective leadership and strategic direction,” Mr Toole said.
Mr Toole said the new commission has broad investigative powers to regulate the industry, target wrongdoing and enforce animal welfare standards.
The commission will now begin recruitment, focusing initially on a CEO and Chief Steward. It will also work with GRNSW on the orderly transfer of regulatory functions.
In May, the NSW Government appointed former Premier Morris Iemma to chair a new board for GRNSW.
“Like Mr Iemma, the three commissioners are individuals of high calibre. They are people the industry and the community can have full confidence in,” Mr Toole said.
