Investigator appointed to oversee greyhound racing industry claims of malpractice

Premier Chris Minns has pledged to keep the NSW greyhound industry running as an investigation into a damning report by the sport’s former vet gets underway.

Former GNSW CEO Rob McCauley, left and NSW Premier Chris Minns

An investigator will be appointed to oversee reports of malpractice and poor management in the greyhound racing industry, Racing Minister David Harris has announced.

Lea Drake will be installed as the acting commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) and is tasked with leading an inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).

A statement from Mr Harris said the inquiry would “examine complaints about GRNSW’s governance and operations, track safety and animal welfare isssues, including claims made by whistleblowers”.

“I am absolutely committed to ensuring a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity,” Mr Harris said in a statement.

“It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet these standards.”

Racing Minister David Harris.

Greyhound Racing NSW welcomed announcement of the inquiry, and the appointment of Ms Drake.

“Ms Drake is one of Australia’s most respected and distinguished investigators and mediators with a reputation for forensic enquiry and critical thinking,” Greyhound Racing NSW’s Acting CEO Wayne Billett said.

“We welcome the opportunity for external examination of our processes and record, including the modernization process that has been undertaken in recent years.

”We look forward to seeing the Terms of Reference once they have been determined.”

Ms Drake is due to report to the Minsiter be December 13, 2024.

ANIMAL WELFARE CONCERNS SERIOUS BUT GREYHOUND INDUSTRY IS SAFE, MINNS

The inquiry follows Premier Chris Minns’ has pledge on Wednesday to keep the NSW greyhound industry running, as the investigation into a damning report by the sport’s former vet got underway.

“We’re not going to shut down the industry,” Mr Minns said. “But we do take this report seriously.”

Greyhound Racing NSW chief executive Rob Macaulay resigned on Tuesday in a bid to stave off Racing Minister David Harris from appointing an administrator to run the industry.

Mr Harris has given the GRNSW board until Friday to show cause why they should not be removed and an independent administrator installed in their place.

“I have to see what the board puts to me and I have to also take into account relevant legal advice,” Mr Harris said.

GNSW CEO Rob McCauley resigned on Tuesday. Picture: Adam Yip

He confirmed a rift had developed between him, Mr Macaulay and the board at GRNSW.

“Since becoming minister (I) have been concerned around a number of issues, and have been working with Greyhound Racing NSW to lift the standard of the sport in the state,” he said.

“It is no secret that the relationship has become strained because I make no apology for asking for the highest level of welfare and integrity,” Mr Harris said.

However with Mr Macaulay’s departure Mr Harris said “some of these issues can be worked out.”

Top of the list is a 54-page report filed by former chief vet Dr Alex Brittan which alleged among other things that dogs were racing at an unhealthy intensity resulting in needless injuries.

He filed the report at the end of a turbulent nine-month tenure marked by a string of recommendations including that dogs should wear running shoes while racing to protect their paws.

Dr Brittan’s appointment is one of a string of decisions by Mr Macaulay that many in the industry are describing as own goals that dismayed participants and ultimately led to his departure.

Ex-Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton has already been appointed to investigate Dr Brittan’s report.

Mr Harris said the investigation would form part of a wider welfare check on the industry. “We are working on putting together the final parts of an inquiry to look into the details that have been raised not just in this report, but in other reports.

“And we want to make sure that we have a clear pathway going forward that has clear definitions in place about how the sport should be run.

“This is not about closing the industry down.

“It’s about making sure that they can be the best that they can be. I don’t apologise for that,” he said.

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Originally published as Investigator appointed to oversee greyhound racing industry claims of malpractice