Page 138 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 14 December 2016
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There is evidence showing that 40 per cent of greyhounds whelped never make it to the racetrack. There is the finding that Greyhound Racing New South Wales has not been able in the past, and is unlikely in the future, to appropriately address the problem of wastage. Greyhound Racing New South Wales told the commission that it needs over 7½ thousand greyhounds whelped in a year to meet its racing schedule. There is the finding that it is not a viable proposition to rely on rehoming to eliminate wastage. The commission estimated that, at best, it might be possible to rehome around 20 per cent of greyhound pups. And there is the finding that the economics of the industry will ensure that the cycle of birth, a short period of racing, if at all, and destruction will continue for the foreseeable future.
This afternoon Mr Parton has asked, “What next?” implying that there should be no limitations on freedom. It is, sadly, a misunderstanding of the natures of freedom in a modern and civilised society. It is appropriate—in fact, it is necessary in a civilised society—for limitations to be placed on bare freedoms in the face of health, safety and welfare. We can look to example after example in our history where this has occurred.
I am aware that the ACT greyhound industry considers that, as the McHugh report was focused on the New South Wales industry, it is not representative of the ACT industry. I am aware that the ACT industry claims it has a strong record of animal welfare, and has said it has a perfect record on protecting animals and fighting cruelty. However, the fact is that many, if not most, greyhounds who are raced in the ACT are a product of the New South Wales greyhound industry. Oversight of the ACT industry is conducted by Greyhound Racing New South Wales. Greyhound Racing New South Wales licences the very small number of ACT trainers and provides stewards for ACT races.
Despite the opposition’s assertions, it is simply not realistic, nor is it possible, to separate the ACT industry from the New South Wales industry in a way that would distance the local industry from the interstate findings and enable the local industry to be sustainable. The findings of the McHugh report are matters that we cannot simply avoid or wish away.
I note the comments this morning by the Leader of the Opposition in another debate that the ACT is an island within New South Wales. The opposition is asserting that there is no evidence to suggest the problems shown to exist in the McHugh inquiry report exist in relation to ACT greyhound racing. This is neither accurate nor realistic. I am advised that there is information that shows that trainers who have had their licences suspended or been fined in New South Wales for breaches such as doping have trained dogs that have also raced in the ACT.
There have also been a number of greyhounds euthanased from racing at Canberra meets. From January to March 2016 records show there have been two; in 2015 there were seven; in 2014 there were three; in 2013 and 2012 there were five each. A Canberra Times report in September this year referred to three more in the preceding weeks.
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