Inaugural Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna has been appointed SA’s Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector

A report recommends the greyhound industry be shut down if it doesn’t improve within two years – now the new SA Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector has spoken out.

Inaugural Victorian Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna, who has five decades of experience fighting crime and corruption, has been appointed SA’s Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector.

A former police officer, Mr Perna was also responsible for a 2015 inquiry into live baiting in greyhound racing in Victoria.

In his new role of inspector, Mr Perna will oversee the actions of Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) in response to the recommendations of former Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton.

Sal Perna has been appointed SA’s Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector.

Mr Ashton conducted an inquiry into governance of the industry, which was completed in December last year.

His report recommended that the greyhound industry should be shut down if it does not significantly improve within two years.

It said GRSA was not adequately enforcing its own animal welfare policy and identified a gap between the conditions in which a large number of greyhounds are being kept and the expectations of the community.

Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Katrine Hildyard said it was critical to have someone with exemplary integrity and leadership to oversee the reform.

“(Mr Perna’s) extensive experience in and passion for integrity and ethics in sport and racing will be vital as the industry undertakes its process of reform and evolves in line with societal expectations,” she said.

Mr Perna will take up the role in the coming months, with the state government now considering legislation to ensure he can fulfil the role “without hindrance”.