Bill to ban greyhound in NSW passes

Greyhound racing in NSW will now be banned on July 1 next year after the controversial legislation passed state parliament.

The controversial bill to ban greyhound racing in NSW has been passed in the state parliament by 49 votes to 30.

Debate continued overnight as Labor MPs voiced their opposition to the government's plan to shut down the industry by next July.

But Premier Mike Baird released a statement early on Wednesday confirming the bill had passed.

"I am pleased the parliament has strongly supported the government's decision, because it is the right one, even though it has been a difficult one," Mr Baird said.

The Greyhound Racing Prohibition bill, which includes a one-year jail sentence and maximum $11,000 fine for anyone caught organising a race after the ban, was fast-tracked through parliament's upper house last week.

The proposed laws will also forbid people to export greyhounds to other states without the written consent of Greyhound Racing NSW before the ban takes effect.

Mr Baird stood firm on his decision to end the sport since his announcement last month after a Special Commission of Inquiry report revealed widespread animal cruelty within the industry.

Some National MPs had also voiced their concerns.

Opposition Leader Luke Foley led the charge in the debate with a two-hour speech in which he accused the premier of a "cruel ambush" of working class people.

"With this legislation he's breaking the hearts of thousands of good men and women across this state," Mr Foley said.

"An entire industry should not be outlawed, declared illegal, unless all reasonable efforts have genuinely been made to regulate its anti-social features."

Deputy Premier and Racing MinisterTroy Grant said in the statement he would now focus on getting the necessary support, including financial support, for those affected in communities.

The Greyhounds Transition Taskforce Coordinator General, Dr John Keniry, will consult with industry members and find out what support they need for themselves and their dogs.

"We're committed to leaving no-one behind in the transition to an orderly and humane industry closure and we'll announce this package, which will include financial assistance, in coming months," Mr Grant said.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world