There is mounting pressure on Dubbo MP and Deputy Premier Troy Grant over his government’s decision to ban greyhound racing next year.
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Some Nationals colleagues have criticised the ban. Premier Mike Baird has gone on holiday and left Mr Grant, as acting premier and Nationals leader, with a backbencher headache.
Two State MPs and a federal MP criticised the ban on ABC radio.
Barwon MP Kevin Humphries said: “To put a blanket closure is an over-reaction.”
He said he would consult party coleagues when the ban goes to a parliamentary vote.
Cootamundra MP Katrina Hodgkinson, said she was bewildered by the ban which will devastate the greyhound racing community in her electorate.
She took aim at her party leader, Mr Grant, over the lack of consultation.
“’Yes, I have to say I was let down and I have passed on that sentiment to the National party… to have no pre-warning about this was shocking.”
Riverina Federal MP Mark McCormack said the decision smacked of insensitivity.
“Keyboard warriors, latte-sipping, long sock-wearing elitists from the North Shore who live life through rose-coloured glasses and have never been to a greyhound track or would not know a greyhound trainer who treats their animals like a member of their own family are cheering this decision on,” he said.
Mr Grant said on Sunday: “I encourage my members to speak out on issues and never gag them.
“The government was left with no alternative because of the cases of animal cruelty contained in the special commission of inquiry. The industry could not contain lasting humane reform.”
Dubbo greyhound racing president Shayne Stiff said the industry will fight to overturn the ban.
Racing authorities had met again on a legal challenge with “the best senior legal minds in NSW” in their corner.
“We race 33 times a year and each meeting of that generates in the vicinity of $80 to $100,000 to that community, three million dollars to the Dubbo community.”
Mr Grant said: ‘’I appreciate this decision has devastated many in Dubbo and my electorate and other parts of the region and there are many good people in the region .
“We have a strong community in Dubbo I understand the pain they are going through.’’
