Tabling of Petition to Ban Greyhound Racing

Cressida O’Hanlon MP presented a petition signed by 11,005 residents of South Australia requesting the house to urge the government to take immediate action to ban the practice of greyhound racing in South Australia on Tuesday 16 June 2026.

“Today I tabled a petition signed by 11,005 South Australians calling on parliament to urge the government to ban greyhound racing in South Australia. I want to acknowledge the extraordinary level of community engagement represented by this petition and thank every South Australian who took the time to have their voice heard, and especially Elle Trahair from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds. Regardless of where people stand on this issue, I believe a petition of more than 11,000 signatures demonstrates that animal welfare in greyhound racing remains a matter of significant public interest.

The petition has now been referred to the Social Development Committee for consideration. Following concerns about the industry being investigated in the independent inquiry conducted by the former Victorian police commissioner Graham Ashton, 86 recommendations were made aimed at strengthening governance, integrity and animal welfare outcomes. The government subsequently appointed Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector Sal Perna to oversee implementation of those recommendations, with progress reports showing that, while important reforms have been completed, significant work remains.

I acknowledge the government's position that the greyhound racing industry must reform if it is to continue and that industry practices must better align with community expectations. I also note that recently the industry's own trainer of the year award was revoked after concerns about blood tests of the greyhounds. I welcome the Social Development Committee's consideration of this petition and look forward to its examination of the concerns raised by the 11,005 signatories.”