Member for Hawkesbury Dominic Perrottet has welcomed a new report that will guide the NSW Government’s greyhound racing reforms.
Mr Perrottet said the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel report will pave the way for a new regulatory regime to ensure the industry meets community expectations.
“The panel, which was headed by former Premier Morris Iemma, has provided 122 recommendations to restore public trust in the industry,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The panel’s report is based on input from a wide range of stakeholders as well as the findings of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the industry.”
The panel has recommended a new best practice governance structure that separates commercial and regulatory functions by establishing a Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission with broad investigative powers.
It also supports an enforceable code of practice for greyhound welfare, whole-of-life registration and tracking of dogs so their whereabouts are known, licensing and accreditation requirements for all industry participants, and restrictions on the keeping of small animals on properties where greyhounds are kept.
Mr Perrottet said people in Hawkesbury now have a chance to consider the report’s findings before the Government prepares a package of legislation to implement the new regime and repeal the Greyhound Racing Prohibition Act.
“I am well aware of how important greyhound racing is to our community so I urge everyone involved in the industry to support these reforms and commit to real and lasting change.”