Dubbo Greyhound Racing Club president Shayne Stiff said he has no problems with a package put together by the state government to reform the industry.
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The government announced it would adopt 121 of the 122 recommendations proposed by the Greyhound Industry Reform Panel as well as providing $41 million over the next five years to implement the changes.
The government also began the process of introducing legislation to repeal the greyhound ban, implemented by then Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier Troy Grant in 2016.
Mr Stiff was at Parliament House on Tuesday and was involved in discussions with Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Mr Toole prior to the Racing Minister’s announcement.
He said the “industry is alive” and welcomed the injection of funding.
“Of the $41 million, $31 million will go to improving infrastructure and $11 million will go to establishing an integrity commission.”
Mr Stiff said he didn’t agree with statements made by Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MLC Robert Borsak, who said the changes were “a ban by stealth” aimed at bringing down the greyhound industry.
“I don’t think it is setting us up for failure. The funding is a bit short of what we would like but the Greyhound Alliance and the industry has worked with government ensure it could work,” Mr Stiff said.
Mr Borsak said the government’s proposed changes did “nothing for the long-term financial viability of the greyhound racing industry and mark my words – this will lead to the demise of greyhound racing in New South Wales, which is what Mike Baird and Troy Grant wanted all along.”
He said the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers would look to amend legislation to “make sure that greyhound racing has a future in New South Wales” and would also shine a spotlight on horse racing.
Racing Minister Paul Toole said the changes would hold the greyhound industry to the highest possible standards of animal welfare.
“These reforms are focused on stronger penalties and lifetime bans for those who do the wrong thing, while developing a sustainable and ethical industry,” Mr Toole said.
“The government is absolutely committed to a sustainable future for the greyhound industry and these reforms will help ensure confidence and integrity is restored.”