The Illawarra’s greyhound racing fraternity are waiting in hope amid growing speculation of a Premier Mike Baird backflip on his industry ban.
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Mr Baird is expected to announce an alternative to the shutdown, which is due to come into effect from July 1, as early as Tuesday.
Although optimistic of a favourable outcome, president of the Dapto Dogs Tony Glackin said the backflip was “only talk” at this stage.
“They’ve still got to reverse the legislation if we’re going to race, so there’s a long way between now and next July,” Mr Glackin said. “It [the speculation] is all positive and it’s about time something comes good for us.”
Mr Glackin believed more detail would become clear on Tuesday afternoon.
Reports in News Corp newspapers on Monday suggested Mr Baird would seek to overturn the ban that passed the Parliament in August.
The ban followed the damning findings of a special commission of inquiry that up to 68,000 greyhounds were killed in the past 12 years as they were too slow or unable to race.
The unconfirmed reports said the industry would instead be given an opportunity to prove it can end the mass slaughter of dogs – known as "wastage" – that led to the government's decision.
However, the Premier’s office said reports Mr Baird was preparing to back down were “speculation”.
Last month, a spokesman said Mr Baird was “100 per cent committed to the ban”.
But there have been claims of a revolt in the NSW Nationals party room over the decision with threats that Deputy Premier Troy Grant’s leadership could be challenged.
However, Fairfax Media understands the numbers were not there for a successful challenge.
Keira MP, and Labor’s spokesman for the Illawarra, Ryan Park said the greyhound ban had become about Mr Grant’s job, rather than the thousands of Illawarra families affected by the government’s “bad decision”.
“This is a lesson for Mike Baird that you can’t make cute announcements on social media without any community or industry consultation,” Mr Park said.
“This government has thrown the lives of hundreds of locals up in the air and are now playing politics with them.”
Liberal MP, and parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra, Gareth Ward wouldn’t comment on potential changes to the ban, citing cabinet-in-confidence.
- with Sean Nicholls
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
