Minister for Racing David Harris makes a call on the board of Greyhound Racing NSW

Following months of turmoil, Minister for Racing David Harris has decided on the immediate future of the board of Greyhound Racing NSW.

Racing Minister David Harris

Minister for Racing David Harris has thrown his support behind the embattled Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) board by extending each member’s term by a further nine months.

The decision by Mr. Harris to extend the expiring terms and not appoint an administrator comes at a pivotal time for NSW greyhound racing with the government commissioned Drake Inquiry into the operations of GRNSW in full swing.

It’s anticipated that the wide-ranging Inquiry will be finalised by December 13 at which time its findings and recommendations will be provided to the government for consideration.

READ: Racing Minister issues GRNSW board “show cause” notice

But with the terms of five of the six current board members expiring this Sunday, including that of chairman Adam Casselden and vice-chair Rebekah Giles, Mr. Harris has made the call to issue the extension ahead of the inquiry’s findings.

“As the terms of five GRNSW directors expire on Sunday (22 September, 2024) I have decided to extend their appointments for an additional nine months,” Minister Harris said.

“I consider it important that, as far as possible, there is stability for GRNSW and the industry while the Acting Commissioner conducts the Inquiry.

Greyhound Racing NSW chairman Adam Casselden. Picture: Supplied

“This extension will allow for continuity at GRNSW and within the greyhound racing industry over the short term and ensure any decisions on future appointments can be informed by the Inquiry’s outcomes.”

In July, this masthead revealed that Mr. Harris had issued the GRNSW board with a “show cause” notice following a turbulent period at the organisation which included allegations from whistleblowers, disgruntled employees and former contractors.

A week after the “show cause” was handed down, GRNSW parted ways with its then chief executive officer Rob Macaulay who announced his resignation following a two-year tenure at the helm.

READ: Rob Macaulay resigns from Greyhound Racing NSW

“On June 28 this year I wrote to each director of GRNSW, setting out my concerns about several matters and seeking submissions to assist my consideration of these matters,” Minister Harris said.

“The GRNSW Board of Directors, individually and collectively, wrote to me in response to my concerns.

“I have given this issue serious consideration. While I determined there was a technical breach by the Board in relation to its Operating Licence, I have decided not to exercise my authority to remove the directors and appoint an administrator on this occasion.

“In deciding not to exercise this power, I had regard to a number of matters. These include the recent change in management at GRNSW and the impacts that further instability could cause at this time.

“It also includes the letters I have received from numerous greyhound clubs which believe the appointment of an administrator would not be in the best interests of the industry.

GRNSW vice-chair Rebekah Giles Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

“However, I remain concerned about several matters in relation to GRNSW, including its governance and operations, track safety and animal welfare issues.

“That is why I announced the appointment of the Hon. Lea Drake as an Acting Commissioner of the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) to lead an inquiry into GRNSW to examine these matters.

“The purpose of the Inquiry is to ensure a viable and sustainable greyhound racing industry in NSW with the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare.

“The Inquiry is scheduled to provide its report on 13 December 2024, after which time I will consider any findings and recommendations.”

Originally published as Minister for Racing David Harris makes a call on the board of Greyhound Racing NSW