Public invited to have their say during Inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW - update

Members of the public are invited to make a submission to the Inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris has appointed experienced mediator and investigator Lea Drake as an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission to lead the Inquiry.

Hearings will begin on 16 September 2024 at 80 William Street, Sydney. Some sessions may be closed to the public.

Submissions should be sent to the Inquiry by Friday 27 September.

Members of the public and industry participants can make a submission by visiting https://nsw.gov.au/drakeinquiry or emailing drakeinquiry@dciths.nsw.gov.au

The purpose of the Drake Inquiry is to ensure a viable and sustainable greyhound racing industry in NSW with the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare.

Acting Commissioner Drake is due to report back to the Minister by 13 December 2024.

The Drake 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

Submissions should relate to the Terms of Reference which set out the full scope of the Inquiry.

Those who lodge a submission can request that it be kept confidential.

Acting Commissioner Lea Drake said:

“We would like to encourage anyone who would like to contribute to the Inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW to come forward and lodge a submission.

“Industry participants, stakeholders and members of the public are urged to contact us with information relevant to the Terms of Reference. That would include information about the welfare and care of greyhounds or any concerns about greyhound adoption or rehoming programs.

“We would also like to hear from you if you have information to share on racecourse safety and minimum track standards, or any concerns regarding the workplace culture and conduct at Greyhound Racing NSW, or its management, procurement and recruitment practices. Submissions can of course be treated confidentially if required.

“It is absolutely essential that as many voices as possible be heard during this Inquiry, so that we can reliably determine the veracity of a range of concerns with Greyhound Racing NSW.”