Minister for Racing Troy Grant today tabled the NSW Government’s response to the First Report of the Legislative Council Select Committee on Greyhound Racing in NSW.

Mr Grant said 16 of the report’s 18 recommendations have been supported or are supported in-principle.

“The racing industry is central to the social and economic fabric of the State and we are focused on the long term viability of the three codes of racing in NSW, including greyhounds,” Mr Grant said.

“Racing is an industry that relies heavily on its integrity and public and participant confidence is paramount in securing its future development and prosperity.

“The Government welcomes the hard work of the bipartisan committee consisting of Liberals, Nationals, Labor and Greens members and chaired by Robert Borsak MLC from the Shooters and Fishers Party.

“Their recommendations focus on improving the management and operation, rules and penalties, industry engagement and consultation, standards and integrity and animal welfare within the Greyhound industry.

“It’s clear from the evidence provided to the Committee that greater consultation and engagement in setting the strategic direction of greyhound racing in NSW is desired by sections of the industry.

“Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has been asked to report back to the Government in six months with an expectation that implementation will be completed within 12 months.

“Representatives from the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing will work with GRNSW to ensure this timetable is met.”

Mr Grant said separate to this process, a five year statutory review of the Greyhound Racing Act 2009 will shortly commence to determine whether the policy objectives and terms of the Act remain valid and appropriate.

“The review, to report to Parliament by 15 May 2015, is the appropriate mechanism to review the management and operation of the greyhound industry as envisaged by the Committee in its key findings,” Mr Grant said.

The Government response is available on the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing website at www.olgr.nsw.gov.au