Greyhound ban: Mike Baird dares to make the Coalition pay as voters head to the polls
MIKE Baird claimed he was more worried about doing what is “right” than “trying to win re-election” as he sought to justify his greyhound ban — which he admitted would spark a political backlash.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- BAIRD SAYS: WE’RE DOING THE RIGHT THING
- PREMIER STARES DOWN REBELS OVER DOG BAN
- MIKE TWEETS ‘KNOCK YOURSELVES OUT!’
MIKE Baird claimed he was more worried about doing what is “right” than “trying to win re-election” as he sought to justify his greyhound ban — which he admitted would spark a political backlash.
Liberal and Nationals politicians are set to be punished from next month for the dishlicker wipe-out as voters head to the polls for local council elections and November’s by-election in Orange.
In a surprise admission just hours after his controversial dog-racing ban passed parliament, Mr Baird said he was not trying to win the next election but rather do what was right for NSW: “My hope is that over time, what the people of this state see is we’re not trying to win re-election.
“What we’re trying to do is to do what is right — to set up the state for the long term and as part of that there are difficult decisions to be made.
“We’re not getting focus groups, we’re not trying to work out which way the political wind is going. It’s weighing up the evidence and saying what is the right thing for the state.”
The Premier said “of course there will be (a backlash)” from the greyhound ban, but voters “will have their right, come election-day in 2019 to pass judgment on decisions we’ve made”.
Opposition Leader Luke Foley slammed the stance: “Mr Baird has stopped listening. Whether it is greyhounds, chopping down century-old trees or sacking councils.”
Mr Foley reiterated his plan to reopen the greyhound industry after he failed to mention the scheme during his whopping 130-minute speech during the parliamentary greyhound debate.
The NSW Greyhound Racing Industry Alliance also vowed last night to “explore every possible opportunity to overturn the ban”.
People in Orange will have the chance to show what they think of the greyhound ban at the November 12 by-election to replace Nationals MP Andrew Gee, who has moved to federal parliament.
Orange City councillor Scott Munro resigned his National Party membership in disgust at the ban and council mergers — and will contest the by-election as an independent.
“It’s not the National Party that’s lost its way. It’s the leaders who’ve shown an arrogant, Stalinist approach to get their way,” Mr Munro told The Daily Telegraph.
“We have nearly 1000 greyhound owners, breeders and their family members in this electorate. Those people are devastated.”
Nationals Deputy Premier Troy Grant said he was “absolutely confident” in his leadership despite lingering resentment within his party.
Barwon Nationals MP Kevin Humphries lashed out during Tuesday night’s parliamentary debate: “The difficulty for the government is that this issue will not end here tonight … because the broader impacts of the legislation are becoming better known.
“Anybody involved in animal welfare, the food industry or any sporting pursuit involving animals is on notice.
“I did not join this government to ban industries.”
Orange City independent Deputy Mayor Chris Gryllis described the ban as an “absolute disgrace” that would have an impact on the by-election and 2019 state poll: “Bloody oath, it’s the wrong decision.”
National Party director Nathan Quigley added: “There are people who are very upset. That said, I’m sure, come election day they will stick with a formula that works for them.”
Next month’s local council elections may also provide an opportunity for voters to vent their anger at the Liberal Party.
Wollongong Labor councillor Ann Martin said: “I think those councils where there are greyhound race tracks may experience a backlash.”
THREAT TO CUT FUNDS OVER DOGS
EXCLUSIVE Alicia Wood
EDUCATION Minister Adrian Piccoli is accused of threatening to remove essential funding from a key regional NSW electorate if an MP crossed the floor and voted against the controversial greyhound racing ban.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal that in the confidential National party meeting on Tuesday Oxley MP Melinda Pavey, whose electorate includes the underprivileged North Coast town of Kempsey, told colleagues she was concerned about the ban’s effect on her electorate and indicated she was considering crossing the floor.
National Party MPs at the meeting said Ms Pavey sought an assurance from the party leadership her North Coast seat would not suffer if she crossed the floor and opposed the ban.
National party sources report Ms Pavey said: “I want to know my electorate won’t be punished.”
One National party source said: “She wanted to know her electorate would not miss out on funding, and asked that.”
It is understood Mr Piccoli, the party’s deputy leader, then said: “You won’t get a cent.”
Mr Piccoli did not deny the reports of his speech, but denied he threatened Ms Pavey.
Apology to Angus Bendall
On July 21, 2025 The Daily Telegraph published an article about Hugo Phipson who has been charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. A photo published in the article wrongfully identified Angus Bendall as the accused. This was incorrect.
Minns edges ahead as Coalition slides in the polls
The NSW Labor government has regained popularity after taking a beating in the polls over the last year, while the still popular Chris Minns has taken a slight dip as preferred premier.