| Entire NSW greyhound board steps down |
The Greyhound Racing NSW Board has agreed to step down following revelations of live baiting in the sport.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Troy Grant confirmed the board agreed to step down and the CEO would stand aside pending the finalisation of a review.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Grant was asked if he would have sacked the board if they refused to step down. 'We didn't need to go down that path, they understood that the community had lost confidence not in the industry and themselves', he said.
Pressed on why it took an ABC investigation to uncover the practice, Mr Grant stressed there was a difference between rumour and solid evidence. 'There's a large difference between rumour and innuendo and actual proof. The proof was on TV screens for everyone to see and like the rest of the community I was shocked and appalled.
The board agreed to formally disband and appoint an interim CEO, Paul Newson, who is currently the head of the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.
Mr 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 deputy premier says it is clear that the current structure of self-regulation had 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,' he said.
The deputy premier also announced the expansion and strengthening of the McHugh Review into greyhound racing.Mr Grant said he wanted to see the 'abhorrent' practice of live baiting 'stamped out for good.
'During this time I do not want to tar everyone with the same brush, there are many people working in the industry who are similarly appalled at what has been uncovered. Mr Grant thanked the board for its contribution to the industry and said their stepping down was 'not a personal reflection' on them.
'The actions being taken reflect the government's belief that now is the appropriate time to shine a light through the entire industry,' he said.
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