Commission of Inquiry into greyhound industry
Published Friday, 10 April, 2015 at 03:48 PM
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries and Minister for Sport and Racing
The Honourable Bill Byrne
The Palaszczuk Government has increased the powers of its investigation into the Queensland greyhound racing industry by today announcing a Commission of Inquiry to replace the review of the industry being conducted by Mr Alan MacSporran QC.
The interim report of the Commission was delivered to the Minister for Sport and Racing today.
The establishment of the Commission of Inquiry comes after a further four arrests by the joint Queensland Police/RSCPA Taskforce. Fourteen people have been arrested on 53 charges, including 37 of serious animal cruelty.
Racing Queensland has warned off six trainers for life and suspended 27 trainers from the industry.
Mr MacSporran has been appointed as Commissioner by the Governor in Council under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1950.
Mr Byrne said serious allegations had been made, prompting the Government to step up its examination of the Queensland greyhound racing industry.
“The Commission of Inquiry will give Mr MacSporran wider powers of investigation,” Mr Byrne said.
“The Commissioner has the power to summon a witness to give evidence or produce documents. The purpose of the Inquiry is to determine how the misconduct of live-baiting was able to occur without earlier detection and how widespread these practices are.
“The Palaszczuk Government is determined to do all it can to secure the integrity of the sport in Queensland. Allegations of animal cruelty are of significant public interest.
"This decision gives Mr MacSporran the powers he requires to complete his investigation to be full extent excepted by the people of Queensland.
"Today I received the interim report by the Commission. I will be reviewing it carefully to ensure that we can restore public confidence and integrity in the Queensland greyhound racing industry."
The Commission of Inquiry has the same terms of reference as the Review established on 2 March 2015.
The Commissioner is due to deliver his final report on or before 1 June 2015.
ENDS
Media inquiries: 0448 994 172