Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris is appointing experienced mediator and investigator The Hon. Lea Drake as an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) to lead an inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).
The inquiry will examine complaints about GRNSW’s governance and operations, track safety and animal welfare isssues, including claims made by whistleblowers.
Ms Drake is an accomplished investigator with more than two decades’ experience as a member of the Fair Work Commission and inaugural Commissioner of Integrity of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, as well as sitting on civil, administrative and sports misconduct related tribunals.
The inquiry will be conducted in accordance with GWIC’s powers under Part 8 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 (the Act) and cover issues including:
- Greyhound welfare and the care of greyhounds by GRNSW, including adoption and rehoming programs
- GRNSW processes and management, including procurement and recruitment practices
- GRNSW reporting and accuracy in relation to greyhounds
- GRNSW management’s response to complaints or concerns about organisational and workplace culture and conduct.
Other steps already taken by the Minister to ensure the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare include:
- Referring serious allegations where appropriate to the relevant authorities for consideration, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption
- Updating Regulations under the Act to give the Minister more flexibility to make an order to remove the GRNSW Board and appoint an administrator in circumstances where he has lost confidence with the Board
- Requested the GRNSW Board show cause to the Minister as to why its members should not be stood down from their positions
- Asked GWIC to conduct a separate review of claims about the operation of GRNSW’s Wyee rehoming facility following concerns about the treatment of greyhounds housed there. The Minister will also refer this report to the Acting Commissioner to consider along with the matters above.
The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry can be found here.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity.
“It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet these standards.
“I take these various concerns about GRNSW very seriously and this inquiry, using the full investigative powers of GWIC, will conduct a thorough and wide-ranging review of all relevant issues.
“Ms Drake is eminently qualified to lead this inquiry. Further details about the inquiry, its procedures and conduct of hearings will be made in due course. The Acting Commissioner is to report back to me by 13 December 2024.
“The NSW Government will continue to work with GRNSW and industry participants to ensure the viability and longevity of the industry in NSW and to make it the best it can be.”