Lea Drake to Lead Investigation into Greyhound Racing NSWLea Drake to Lead Investigation into Greyhound Racing NSW NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission Acting Commissioner Lea Drake will lead an investigation into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) amid allegations of governance and integrity issues. Investigation Scope The inquiry will examine complaints about GRNSW’s governance, activities, safety, and animal welfare. Lea Drake’s Background Drake, a former Fair Work Commission member and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission commissioner, will present her findings to the Minister by December 13. Reactions Racing Minister David Harris stated that the investigation will not be limited by the Prime Minister’s decision to rule out suspending greyhound racing. GreenLeft MP Abigail Boyd criticized the inquiry’s limited scope, calling it a “political cover-up.” Previous Inquiry and Aftermath In 2016, a special commission of inquiry led to a brief ban on greyhound racing by then Prime Minister Mike Baird. However, the decision was later reversed. GRNSW’s Response GRNSW’s former CEO Robert Macaulay resigned after a report alleging animal welfare issues was made public. GRNSW has appointed former Victoria Police Chief Graham Ashton to investigate these allegations. Industry Support Opposition spokesman Kevin Anderson welcomed the inquiry and highlighted the previous coalition government’s efforts to ensure the sector’s integrity. GRNSW Acting CEO Wayne Billett welcomed the external review, stating that it would help modernize the organization’s processes.
But the inquiry, to be led by Lea Drake, has been dismissed by opponents as a political fig leaf for a sector that has long struggled with serious integrity problems.
Ms Drake will be appointed acting commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission to lead the investigation into Greyhound Racing NSW, Racing Minister David Harris announced on Thursday.
“Since becoming Minister I have received or become aware of a series of complaints about the governance and operation of Greyhound Racing NSW,” he said.
“Ms Drake is an extremely qualified person to lead this investigation.”
The CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW has resigned after a report by the former chief veterinarian became public. (Danny Casey/AAP PHOTOS)
The board of Greyhound Racing NSW has until the end of Friday to explain why it should not be dissolved following a show-cause notice previously issued by the minister.
The investigation will examine complaints about the organisation’s governance and activities, as well as identify issues relating to safety and animal welfare.
Ms Drake served on the Fair Work Commission for more than 20 years and was one of the first commissioners on the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, which oversees police in NSW.
She will report to the Minister by 13 December at the latest.
Prime Minister Chris Minns on Wednesday ruled out suspending greyhound racing, but Harris said the decision would not limit the scope of the investigation.
“It’s about ensuring that greyhound racing is conducted within the terms of the licence, that best practice is used and that we have a sector that is viable but where animal welfare is the primary focus,” the minister said.
However, GreenLeft MP Abigail Boyd said the limited inquiry would not provide scope for ending the industry and that there was no review of the commission’s oversight of the sector.
“This investigation appears to be a farce and a political cover-up for the greyhound racing cabal,” she said.
A special commission of inquiry led to then Liberal Party Prime Minister Mike Baird announcing in 2016 that he would ban greyhound racing, but he reversed the decision after fierce backlash from industry advocates.
Opposition party spokesman Kevin Anderson welcomed the inquiry, saying the previous coalition government had established an integrity commission and taken other steps to ensure the sector operated responsibly and sustainably.
The racing industry body’s chief executive Robert Macaulay resigned on Tuesday after a report by former chief veterinarian Alex Brittan became public.
The document alleges that greyhound deaths are being covered up, adoption figures are being exaggerated and dogs are being forced to race at a high level, causing injuries.
Greyhound Racing NSW has appointed former Victoria Police Chief Graham Ashton to investigate Dr Brittan’s allegations.
The organization’s acting chief executive Wayne Billett said he looked forward to commissioning the inquiry.
“We welcome the opportunity for an external review of our processes and policies, including the modernisation process that has been implemented in recent years,” he said.
