The announcement of the shutdown of the greyhound racing industry by the Premier is in my view premature. 

There was no consultation in the making of this decision by the Government with anyone. 

There was certainly no consultation with any State Member of Parliament who has greyhound racing facilities in their electorates, such as mine. 

I note that there are many members of the Baird Government who are publicly expressing similar concerns to Labor MPs at the premature nature of this announcement.

I am also very concerned that the announcement of a transition plan for the industry shutdown provides no details whatsoever on how it will work, what it will cost, and who may or may not be eligible for assistance. 

Such arbitrary decisions and announcements are becoming a feature of the Baird Government.

As the Dapto Greyhound Racing Club is based in my electorate, I have read the Commission of Inquiry report in detail. 

The very first recommendation asserts that the New South Wales Parliament should determine whether or not the greyhound industry should continue in New South Wales. 

The report then proposes that if the greyhound industry should continue, the Parliament should consider imposing 80 conditions for reform on the industry.

My view is that these 80 conditions provide a reasonable foundation to continue reforming the governance culture of the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales and improving animal welfare within the industry. 

The report also concludes that the greyhound racing industry has been implementing positive changes to improve animal welfare over the last 12-16 months.

I am also very concerned that the industry shutdown announced by the Government will overwhelm the existing animal welfare organisations in New South Wales. 

Already the Government, RSPCA and Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) concede that tens of thousands of greyhounds will be destroyed as a result of the industry shutdown.

It seems rather counter-intuitive for animal welfare supporters to advocate the need to protect greyhounds while cheering the implementation of an unspecified plan that will see tens of thousands of greyhounds euthanised. 

I also note the AVA has publicly called on the Government to rethink the industry shutdown.

I cannot help but be cynical about the timing of this announcement by the Premier of the industry shutdown. 

Why for instance was the announcement made just days after the Federal election? 

Why has it not banned interstate greyhound race betting? 

Why has the Government, proclaiming a new found concern for animal welfare, not banned puppy farms? 

Why has the Government not banned harness racing and thoroughbred racing? 

Why has it not banned the beef, pork, lamb or chicken industry? 

Each of these industries at one time or another has faced the challenges of addressing appalling animal welfare practices. 

In contrast the NSW Labor Party announced a 10 Point Animal Welfare Plan at the 2015 State election. 

The Government was silent on this policy area at the last election.

The Commission of Inquiry report did find examples of unacceptable animal treatment, which no-one can or should condone. 

However, while the Commission report highlighted the challenges facing the greyhound racing industry, it did not recommend the shutdown of the industry. 

Indeed, as I mentioned, the report indicates that the greyhound racing industry has made progress towards reform of its governance culture and improved animal welfare practices. 

I have noted the view among some that the greyhound racing industry has been given enough chances to change. 

While I can appreciate this opinion, one could make the same assertion for any number of other industries whose governance practices have been questionable.

It is my view, on balance, that the 80 conditions proposed by the Commission of Inquiry report should be implemented within a given timeframe. 

The Parliament should then determine whether the implemented reforms should permit the continuation of the greyhound racing industry in New South Wales. 

- Anna Watson is the Labor Member for Shellharbour. 

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