Greyhound ban: Mike Baird could be open to a reversal on his controversial decision

MIKE Baird has given the strongest indication yet he is open to ­reversing his controversial greyhound ban, saying “(this journey I have always listened”.

• LEAKED REPORT: 19,000 DOGS WILL NEED REHOMING
• HOW NSW WENT WAY OVERBOARD WITH DOGS BAN

PREMIER Mike Baird has given the strongest indication yet he is open to ­reversing his controversial greyhound ban — yesterday saying “as I have gone through this journey I have always listened”.

Asked directly at a press conference yesterday to rule out a reversal of the greyhound racing ban, Mr Baird said he was only “ruling out the possibility that I’m going to make any decisions other than what I think are the right ones for the people of this state”.

In parliament, under questioning from Labor ­leader Luke Foley on a ­potential backdown, Mr Baird said: “I make this point, yes we are working very hard in terms of the transition, an important job that is engaging with the industry on the best possible way we can transition and support them.

Debate in the government is expected to be around whether any policy change would occur before or after the Orange by-election.

“We are going to stand up for what we think is right on that issue and every issue.”

Pressure has come on the government ahead of the ­Orange by-election, with polling suggesting the Nationals will struggle to retain the seat. This is despite having won it at last year’s election with a margin of 21.6 per cent.

The Daily Telegraph ­revealed earlier this week that the number of greyhounds in NSW that would have to be put down was 19,000, not the 6000 as the government had claimed.

A draft report by the head of the transitional taskforce on the ban, John Keniry, indicated that it was not in his terms of reference to comment on the proposed closure date of racing in July next year but “it was clear from the majority of participants that a phased shutdown period will allow people and businesses to transition from the industry in an orderly manner, with reduced ­financial loss”.

The Daily Telegraph ­revealed earlier this week that the number of greyhounds in NSW that would have to be put down was 19,000, not the 6000 as the government had claimed.

There was speculation last night the ban could be put off to 2020 or that even broader changes could take place.

Debate in the government is expected to be around whether any policy change would occur before or after the Orange by-election, with Deputy Premier Troy Grant’s leadership on the line if he loses the seat.

There is widespread speculation a loss would lead to Mr Grant’s resignation.

“There’s no doubt Orange will be a challenge,” Mr Baird told reporters yesterday.

Asked about the possibility of overturning a ban, he said: “Certainly we have ­responded on the evidence in relation to the greyhounds, we are working on a generous and flexible transition package.”

Premier Mike Baird.

Deputy Premier Troy Grant.