Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Myall Lakes MP Stephen Bromhead have welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to give the Greyhound Racing Industry one last chance.

“On behalf of the many greyhound owners, breeders and trainers, the majority of whom are law-abiding, good people, I’m relieved that the government finally saw the error of its ways,” Ms Washington said.

“Mike Baird and Troy Grant decided to ban an entire industry without any consultation or regard for the impacts their decision would have on regional communities,” she added.

Kate Washington, alongside her Labor colleagues, spoke and voted against the ban when the Bill was presented to Parliament whilst Stephen Bromhead voted in favour of shutting down the Industry.

Ms Washington said she was disappointed to see that Mr Bromhead did not join with three of his National party colleagues who crossed the floor of Parliament to vote against the Bill.

“Instead, Stephen Bromhead voted to ban the greyhound industry, against the interests of the many residents in his electorate, who I met, who were going to be adversely affected,” she said.

“It’s the height of hypocrisy that Mr Bromhead now welcomes the government’s backflip.”
Mr Bromhead said in a statement the government had listened to community concerns about the racing ban and the way it was implemented.

“It’s clear the community agrees we must put an end to the animal cruelty outlined in the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry – pure and simple,” he said.

“But we underestimated the community’s desire to give the greyhound industry one last chance to reform.
“I’ve had the opportunity over the last few weeks and months to speak with other Members and relay the concerns of my electorate.

“I think it’s the mark of a good government and a good Premier that we can listen to the people,” he added.
Mr Bromhead said he was disappointed and disgusted to hear of another case of live baiting despite the spotlight on the industry and its need to reform.

“Greyhound racing will be subject to the toughest regulations in the country. It is now up to the industry to demonstrate its commitment and put this into action to reform for the benefit of all involved,” he said.