NSW greyhound compo report due this week

A report outlining a compensation plan for the NSW greyhound racing industry will be presented amid speculation Mike Baird may cave on the controversial ban.

Greyhounds

Greyhound compensation report is due. Source: AAP

The report detailing compensation for the NSW greyhound racing industry will be handed over in a party room meeting amid rumours Premier Mike Baird could cave in on the controversial racing ban.

The report will be handed down by Greyhounds Transition Taskforce head John Keniry on Monday and presented to the meeting by Deputy Premier Troy Grant.

Greyhound owners could receive a payment of up to $1500 per dog under the $30 million compensation package, which would award more money for racing dogs over retired dogs.

The report comes amid suggestions Mr Baird could change his hardline position on the ban, which would see NSW greyhound racing end in July 2017.

The ban has been attributed as the reason behind a massive drop in the premier's popularity, with a recent Newspoll showing Baird's approval rate had crashed from 61 to 39 per cent since December.

Senior Liberal sources recently told The Australian Mr Baird was seriously looking at reversing the ban.

Political commentator Laurie Oakes said on Saturday that Mr Baird had to change the ban or risk losing the next state election after a severe plummet in his popularity rating.

Tensions have been rising in the state coalition's ranks as more MPs declare their opposition to the ban, prompted by the revelation of widespread cruelty within the greyhound racing industry.

Dr Keniry, who was appointed to oversee the industry shut down, reportedly tried to quit just more than a month ago because he did not support the ban.

It's understood Dr Keniry chose to stay in the role after talks with the premier.

A survey conducted by the RSPCA showed 64 per cent of 834 NSW and ACT residents supported the ban.

The survey, released on Saturday, found support for the ban was 77 per cent in metropolitan areas and 67 per cent among suburban respondents.

Approval ratings remained above 60 per cent regardless of whether respondents were coalition, Labor or swinging voters.


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Source: AAP



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