The inaugural commissioner of Integrity of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission has been appointed to lead an inquiry into greyhound racing in NSW after damning allegations have been aired in state parliament.
Lea Drake, who has more than two decades’ experience as a member of the Fair Work Commission, has been appointed acting commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC).
Despite allegations of animal welfare abuses, the premier says the sport will continue in NSW.Credit: AAPIMAGE
The inquiry will examine complaints about Greyhound Racing NSW’s governance and operations, track safety and animal welfare issues, including claims made by whistleblowers.
An explosive exit report written by GRNSW’s former chief veterinarian Alex Brittan contains a litany of allegations about animal welfare violations and substandard practices, from dogs with mouths of rotting teeth to the discovery of unreported burnt and frozen carcasses at a vet’s surgery.
The inquiry will cover greyhound welfare and the care of greyhounds by GRNSW, including adoption and rehoming programs; GRNSW processes and management, including procurement and recruitment practices; reporting and accuracy in relation to greyhounds; management’s response to complaints or concerns about organisational and workplace culture and conduct.
Former LECC commissioner Lea Drake.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said in a statement he was committed to ensuring a “competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry” with the highest standards of integrity.
“It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet these standards,” he said.
“I take these various concerns about GRNSW very seriously and this inquiry, using the full investigative powers of GWIC, will conduct a thorough and wide-ranging review of all relevant issues.