Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission boss Steve Griffin sidelined after Greyhound Racing NSW job offer

The boss of the greyhound industry watchdog has been dropped from his role after being offered the top job at Greyhound Racing NSW – the very group he was meant to scrutinise.

The boss of the greyhound industry watchdog has been sidelined from his role after being offered the top job at Greyhound Racing NSW.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission boss Steve Griffin has been “relieved of all GWIC related management functions” after telling the watchdog he had been offered the job of GRNSW CEO.

The looming appointment of Mr Griffin as GRNSW CEO led Racing Minister David Harris to warn the industry and the watchdog about potential conflicts of interest.

The Telegraph revealed last week that Steve Griffin – current Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission CEO – was set to become the new top dog at GRNSW.

The leadership nod sparked concern about potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris had warned the industry about problems with Mr Griffin’s new role. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

On February 14, Libertarian MP John Ruddick said “serious concerns” had been raised with him “about potential conflicts of interest” in the hiring process.

“This potential appointment and the implications it may have for the integrity of both organisations should be cautiously and responsibly examined,” he said.

Mr Ruddick’s concerns echoes that raised by members of the industry, who are opposed to Mr Griffin’s appointment.

One of the main concerns is that GWIC - with Mr Griffin at the helm - is currently engaged in an inquiry into GRNSW’s operations.

The “Drake Inquiry” is set to hand down findings in April.

Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission boss Steve Griffin has been sidelined from his role.

Libertarian MP John Ruddick said “serious concerns” had been raised with him “about potential conflicts of interest” in the hiring process.

In a statement, a spokesman for Mr Harris said the Minister was not involved in the process to hire a new GRNSW boss.

However, he did warn both GRNSW and GWIC about potential conflicts.

“The Minister for Gaming and Racing has written to Greyhound Racing NSW and the regulator outlining his expectations that any conflict of interest is appropriately managed.”

“The Minister is advised as CEO of the Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission, Mr Griffin has no role in relation to the operation or conduct of the Drake Inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW,” Mr Harris’ spokesman said.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption announced it had investigated, and cleared, the GRNSW board. Picture: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images

The Independent Commission Against Corruption announced it had investigated, and cleared, the GRNSW board following a 20-month investigation on February 14.

The investigation was launched after Mr Harris wrote to ICAC on June 30 2023, sharing correspondence from unnamed individuals.

The correspondence made “various allegations concerning former GRNSW Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Macaulay and the GRNSW Board,” ICAC said.

“The Commission’s investigation did not identify any evidence of corrupt conduct on the part of any member of the GRNSW Board.”

ICAC found it was unnecessary to consider any further allegations against Mr Macaulay and decided to discontinue its investigation.

However, ICAC suggested Mr Harris could amend the ICAC act to include GRNSW as a public authority, to “remove any doubt that” GRNSW employees are public officials.

Originally published as Greyhound Welfare Integrity Commission boss Steve Griffin sidelined after Greyhound Racing NSW job offer