NSW Minister for Racing Troy Grant has announced that the Greyhound Racing NSW Board has stood down and the CEO stepped aside in the wake of the live baiting scandal that rocked the industry.

The Board has agreed to formally disband and refer their powers to an interim CEO, Paul Newson who is currently head of the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.

Troy Grant, the NSW Deputy Premier, said Newson will continue the day to day operations and strictly enforce any breaches of the rules of racing including those that make it illegal to live bait in NSW.

“The Government takes the issue of animal welfare very seriously,” Mr Grant said. “It is clear self-regulation under the current structure and culture within greyhounds has failed.

“The Government is committed to ensuring anyone caught blooding their dogs will be kicked out of the sport for life and we will restore the integrity of the industry.”

Mr Grant also announced plans to strengthen and expand the McHugh Review.

Justice McHugh will be joined on the review panel by the CEO of RSPCA NSW Steve Coleman, a NSW Police representative and the Chair of the Greyhound Racing Industry Consultation Group Ron Arnold.

“The review will develop a new model of governance to ensure the integrity of the industry and the abhorrent practice of live baiting is stamped out for good,” Mr Grant said.

“The Government looks forward to taking the review’s findings to Parliament this year.

“The actions being taken reflect the Government’s belief that now is the appropriate time to shine a light through the entire industry.

“Allegations and innuendo have plagued the greyhound racing industry for decades and it is time we ended that speculation, and ensure the sustainability of the industry and the welfare of animals are paramount.”