Have your say: Inquiry into Greyhound Racing
Your input can make a world of difference.
Following the serious and festering allegations publicly aired about Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), Greyhounds As Pets (GAP NSW), the Wyee facility, Hanrob and a range of other issues, the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris MP, established the current Inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW.
The Drake Inquiry
The Inquiry is being conducted by the Hon. Lea Drake, Acting Commissioner of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), under Part 8 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017. The Inquiry’s report to the Minister is due 13 December 2024.
The Inquiry will inquire into, report on, and make findings in relation to:
The welfare and care of greyhounds by GRNSW
GRNSW’s processes and management
Accuracy and reporting by GRNSW in relation to greyhounds and whether that reporting represents the true state of the greyhound racing industry
Performance and effectiveness of GRNSW’s functions under the Act and the GRNSW Operating Licence
GRNSW management’s response to compliance or concerns regarding organisational and workplace culture
Any other relevant matters that arise during the Inquiry
The Inquiry is being conducted by the Hon. Lea Drake, Acting Commissioner of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), under Part 8 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017. The Inquiry’s report to the Minister is due 13 December 2024.
The Inquiry will inquire into, report on, and make findings in relation to:
The welfare and care of greyhounds by GRNSW
GRNSW’s processes and management
Accuracy and reporting by GRNSW in relation to greyhounds and whether that reporting represents the true state of the greyhound racing industry
Performance and effectiveness of GRNSW’s functions under the Act and the GRNSW Operating Licence
GRNSW management’s response to compliance or concerns regarding organisational and workplace culture
Any other relevant matters that arise during the Inquiry
The Inquiry to date…*
Ongoing lack of transparency and ongoing support for industry over greyhound welfare.
The Inquiry’s hearing do not include schedules of witnesses, much of the testimony given is not publicly available and published transcripts include heavy redactions, preventing public scrutiny and industry and government accountability. Link to transcripts here.
Despite the serious and festering allegations against GRNSW, GAP NSW, the Wyee facility, Hanrobs and diminished confidence in GWIC, the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris MP considers it more important to listen to NSW greyhound racing clubs, and to provide stability for GRNSW and the industry while Acting Commissioner, Lea Drake conducts the current 'puppet' Inquiry. Read more here.
Animal Liberation’s running commentary can be accessed here.
Why reform is urgently needed…
The recent revelations have cast a further dark shadow over the NSW greyhound racing industry, uncovering a series of alarming issues, including:
Abuse and cruelty: reports of mistreatment and neglect paint a grim picture of GRNSW’s oversight of greyhound welfare;
Deaths in transit: greyhounds exported to the US are suffering and dying during transit, while others are being stockpiled in overcrowded kennels upon arrival;
Staff bullying: allegations of workplace harassment and bullying among staff have emerged;
Criminal links: disturbing connections to the outlawed ‘Finks’ bikie gang have surfaced, raising serious concerns about integrity;
Corruption and cover-ups: accusations of corruption and cover-ups are continuing to undermine trust in the program’s administration and accountability;
Wyee ‘Adoption Centre’ scandal: the closure of GRNSW’s Wyee ‘Adoption Centre’ has brought to light the non-compliance of the facility, with numerous greyhounds sustaining injuries under highly alarming conditions.
These issues highlight a critical need for immediate action and comprehensive reform to ensure the safety and well-being of all industry greyhounds involved in these programs.
Public submissions and how you can speak up for the greys
Public submissions will be accepted up to midnight, Friday 27 September 2024 and the Inquiry’s hearings will commence at 10am on Monday 16 September 2024, with further hearing dates to be announced. Acting Commissioner Drake is required to report to the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing by 13 December 2024.
Have your say by Friday, 27 September 2024.
The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference
The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference can be accessed here and include:
Greyhound welfare and the care of greyhounds by GRNSW, including management and compliance with welfare standards and any welfare concerns relating to GRNSW’s management of greyhound adoption and rehoming programs, including facilities, and its other functions under the Act;
GRNSW processes and management, including procurement and recruitment practices, and concerns regarding any alleged or identified conflicts of interest and the management of conflicts of interest;
Accuracy and reporting by GRNSW in relation to greyhounds and whether that reporting represents the true state of the greyhound racing industry, including the welfare of greyhounds and the state of related programs under GRNSW’s control, awareness and oversight;
Performance and effectiveness of GRNSW’s functions under the Act and the GRNSW Operating Licence in relation to racecourse safety, management and compliance with minimum track standards;
GRNSW management response to compliance or concerns regarding organisational and workplace culture and conduct or any other related matters arising in the Inquiry;
Such other matters arising in the course of the inquiry into the matters above that the Acting Commissioner considers relevant.
How to make and lodge a submission
Submissions relevant to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference can be made as follows:
Email your submission to: drakeinquiry@dciths.nsw.gov.au
Completing the Inquiry’s online submission form
The online submission form is limited to around 800 words or 4,000 total characters.