South Australia’s greyhound racing industry must undergo significant reform to continue operating, according to an independent inquiry conducted by former Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton.
The State Government today released the report from the Independent Inquiry into the Governance of the Greyhound Racing Industry (the Inquiry), which makes 86 recommendations to ensure the industry modernises its practices in line with community expectations.
The Inquiry’s recommendations include significant animal welfare, integrity and administrative reforms to be progressed by Greyhound Racing South Australia, overseen by an independent Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector (GIRI) appointed by the State Government.
Other recommendations would see better tracking of greyhounds from birth, the implementation of an on-track vet folder, hair testing as a more regular feature of drug testing, better track safety initiatives like increased straight track racing and improvements to the Greyhounds As Pets program.
The Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector will ensure Greyhound Racing South Australia (GRSA) is progressing with the reforms and will regularly report to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing before providing a final report to the Minister two years after their appointment.
Having accepted the Inquiry’s recommendations in principle, the Government will begin the process of establishing the GIRI, noting there may be a need for legislative reform.
A copy of the report of the Independent Inquiry into the Governance is available at the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing website.
As put by Premier Peter Malinauskas
I, like everyone, was appalled by the images of alleged abuse of greyhounds which confronted us earlier this year.
The findings of this Inquiry justify its establishment. The findings are sobering, and quite frankly, have left me disappointed and angry.
Graham Ashton’s recommendations are clear – the greyhound industry must change urgently, or lose the broader support of South Australians to continue operating.
We will not be taking the industry’s word for it. We will be appointing an inspector to satisfy the Government that real change is happening.
I thank Graham Ashton for his considerable work in completing this inquiry.
As put by Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Katrine Hildyard
This Inquiry Report is utterly clear, as is our Government, about what the industry must do if it is to maintain its social licence to operate.
Greyhound Racing SA must now absolutely focus its efforts on the significant reform that Mr Ashton has articulated is required and immediately begin working to implement the Report’s recommendations.
Our community was shocked by the appalling footage of cruelty that emerged in July this year and will not tolerate deviation from the required reform; it is time for change.
I thank Mr Ashton for the Report and the hard work he and Review Director Ms Zoe Thomas put into the Inquiry. I also thank everyone who made a submission to the Inquiry.
As put by Mr Graham Ashton AM APM, Lead Reviewer
Now is an important time for change in the South Australian greyhound racing industry.
New standards are recommended in the report for caring for greyhounds that I believe would bridge the gap between current industry practices and community expectations.
It is imperative for the future of this sport that these changes are achieved.
