NSW Labor has got the jump on the government in the Illawarra’s greyhound industry fight, using Premier Mike Baird’s refusal to visit the Dapto Dogs as means for its leaders to attend Thursday night’s race meeting.
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Opposition Leader Luke Foley will be accompanied by deputy leader and Labor spokesman for gaming and racing Michael Daley when he visits the world-famous track.
Shellharbour MP Anna Watson will also be present, along with Labor’s spokesman for the Illawarra, and Member for Keira, Ryan Park.
Earlier this month, Ms Watson called on Mr Baird to “have the guts to face people on the ground”.
In a letter to Mr Baird, dated July 15, Ms Watson said the government’s decision to shut down the greyhound racing industry in NSW from July next year had been made “without any consultation” and had “absolutely gutted those who participate directly in greyhound racing at the Dapto Dogs”.
On Wednesday, the Labor MP received an email from Mr Baird’s office, which said the Premier was “unable to accept” Ms Watson’s request.
“The Premier would, however, like to acknowledge the significance of your request and has asked that a government representative be sought to meet on his behalf,” a representative for Mr Baird wrote.
Ms Watson described the Premier as “gutless and a coward”, in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon.
“There is no other way to describe this arrogance,” she said.
“He'll make announcements by press release but won’t follow up on a request that he meet with real people – face-to-face – on the ground at the Dapto Dogs to understand the depth of feeling his decision has caused.
“What’s Mike Baird afraid of? I say to the Premier: if you want to make decisions that impact on people's lives, have the decency and guts to front up.”
The greyhound racing industry’s knockout blow came after a Special Commission of Inquiry found “overwhelming evidence” of systemic animal cruelty, including mass greyhound killings and live baiting.
A detailed greyhound industry shutdown plan is expected during the second half of this year, following consultation with stakeholders in industry and animal welfare organisations.
Racing will not be permitted in NSW after July 1, 2017.
The greyhound industry directly employs more than 1000 people, with tracks at Dapto, Bulli and Nowra.
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