Byrne announces review of Queensland greyhound racing industry

Published Monday, 02 March, 2015 at 03:28 PM

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Sport and Racing
The Honourable Bill Byrne

The Queensland Government will conduct an independent review of the state’s greyhound racing industry to determine how live baiting was allowed to go undetected.

Minister for Sport and Racing, Bill Byrne, said the government’s priority was addressing animal cruelty in the industry.

“Queenslanders were rightly disgusted at the footage screened recently of alleged animal cruelty incidents by people associated with the greyhound racing industry,” Mr Byrne said.

“The industry has regulations in place and it is already a criminal act to perform cruelty to animals.

“What is needed is a clear headed review of that went wrong to result in the type of images we were all so shocked at seeing.

“In addition I want to ensure that everything that can be done to investigate all allegations of animal cruelty be done as soon as possible.”

Mr Byrne said the review would be headed by Alan MacSporran QC, a respected barrister with experience in the conduct of inquiries.

He said the review was expected to take three months, cost up to $3 million fully funded by the racing industry, and would determine:

 

  • how misconduct resulting in the suspension of trainers allegedly involved in live-baiting was able to occur without earlier detection,
  • how widespread the practice is,
  • what changes to governance and compliance arrangements are needed for greatest regulatory effectiveness.

 

“This will also cover an assessment of the current monitoring and integrity systems,” Mr Byrne said.

“As a result of this process other animal welfare issues may be examined.

“The review will be supported by the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing and a dedicated telephone number — 1300 791 224 — has been established to allow the public to provide any information that might be of assistance.

“The people of Queensland want to know what went wrong, why it went wrong and what needs to be done to ensure this type of behaviour cannot occur undetected in the future.”

Mr Byrne said the review was separate from the investigation being conducted by Racing Queensland in conjunction with Queensland racing Integrity Commissioner, Jim O’Sullivan, and the Queensland Police Service.

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