NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris today appointed Lea Drake, a longtime investigator, as an acting commissioner.
Drake will lead an inquiry into complaints about operations, track safety and animal warfare issues within Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW).
Drake has been appointed after more than 20 years of experience at the Fair Work Commission and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
The new inquiry will investigate the welfare and care of greyhounds, including adoption and rehoming programmes.
The commission will also investigate complaints raised by whistleblowers within greyhound racing’s peak body.
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity,” Harris said.
“It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet these standards.
“I take these various concerns about GRNSW very seriously and this inquiry, using the full investigative powers of GWIC, will conduct a thorough and wide-ranging review of all relevant issues.
“Ms Drake is eminently qualified to lead this inquiry. Further details about the inquiry, its procedures and conduct of hearings will be made in due course.”
The announcement of the inquiry comes a day after the chief executive of Greyhound Racing NSW Robert Macaulay resigned amid reports that dogs had allegedly suffered a massive rise in injuries.
The inquiry will report back to the government about its findings by December 13 2024.
