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Iemma to help reform NSW greyhound racing

3 minute read

Former Labor premier Morris Iemma has been tasked with reforming the state's greyhound racing industry.

Former premier Morris Iemma has been given charge of reforming NSW's greyhound industry following his appointment as chair of the state's governing body.


Mr Iemma last year led the state government panel set up to stamp out animal cruelty in the industry after then-premier Mike Baird sensationally overturned his ban on the sport.

All but one of the panel's 122 recommendations were adopted by the government, including the creation of an independent integrity commission, and tougher penalties, such as life bans for live baiting.

Announcing Mr Iemma's appointment as head of the new five-member Greyhound Racing NSW board, Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the former Labor premier was an ideal candidate.

"Mr Iemma brings a wealth of experience and skills to the role, having led the reform panel whose recommendations formed the basis of new laws to take the industry forward," he said on Friday.

"He has also shown a strong commitment to engage with all stakeholders involved in the industry.

The government will soon appoint the three commissioners of the new independent Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission, he said.

Mr Baird announced his intention to ban greyhound racing in July 2016 after a special commission of inquiry found there was overwhelming evidence of systemic animal cruelty in the sport, including mass greyhound killings.

The ban was scrapped three months later following an industry-led backlash.

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