Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector Bill

16 October 2024

Mr Speaker, as has been well canvased in the speeches by other members, this Bill was created, in effect, as part of the government’s response to the outrageous and highly disturbing treatment of greyhounds revealed in footage which emerged last year. This followed earlier cases of greyhound trainers being found guilty of live baiting, and subsequently receiving life bans. 

Now as someone who has owned dogs all my life, both as pets and working dogs on my farm, I can’t fathom the need, let alone the want, to treat dogs in this way. Dogs by their very nature want to please their owners, and will do their best to do what they think it is, you want them to do. 

I also had several rehomed greyhounds in my life a few years ago, when my eldest son adopted the beautiful Evie, who loved nothing more than curling up in a ball on the sofa like a giant cat and sleeping for hours on end. 

When Evie did decide to unfurl herself, she loved to be taken to the park or the beach to stretch those beautiful long legs and play with other dogs, gentle not matter how their size compared to her. 

After Evie was the equally delightful, though shy, Scout. We always wondered whether Scout had been mistreated, because she was such a timid and unsure, though no less delightful dog. 

In addition to this there are many people in my electorate who have adopted these beautiful creatures and who even pop in and say hello from time to time, like Marg and Fred, who have brought in the delightful Baily to say hello on many an occasion. 

Mr Speaker, in my mind, it is always a blight on an industry that involves animals, that they require a game keeper, or an overseer, to ensure they behave in an ethical and humane manner, but here we are. 

This Bill establishes a Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector to oversee the implementation of the recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into the Governance of the Greyhound Racing Industry. 

The Report recommended significant animal welfare and integrity reforms, including the Inspector which will be established as a result of this Bill, and Minister Hildyard has already announced Mr Sal Perna AM has been appointed to that role, and it certainly seems as though it was a coup that South Australia was able to secure Mr Perna and all the recent expertise he brings to the role. 

Mr Speaker, this Bill is time limited and will expire at the end of the reform period. 

The Minster has already pointed out that Greyhound Racing SA have been cooperative during this process, and I have no doubt that will be relieving news to the many people in my community who know and love these sleek and graceful animals, who love to run, but deserve the very best treatment and care for their troubles.