![Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald. Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/tmUaC97GWTfBTvbgiBtbEs/32a81ab4-98b8-468e-b83d-05eeda0446e8.jpg/r109_19_1109_571_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
UPDATE
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Baird government has confirmed a backdown of its ban on greyhound racing in NSW following a sustained campaign of media and industry pressure.
ORIGINAL REPORT
The Hunter’s state government representative believes “significant changes” will be made to plans to outlaw the greyhound racing industry in NSW.
Various media outlets reported on Monday that the Baird Government was poised to overturn its controversial decision to ban dog racing.
While the ban pleased many animal welfare advocates, people involved in the greyhound industry and their supporters have been vocal in their outrage over the decision.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said he stood by the government’s original plan to ban racing.
But he said the future direction would be clearer after a joint Liberal-Nationals party room meeting on Tuesday morning.
“Reading the tea leaves it looks like there are going to be significant changes,” Mr MacDonald said.
“I stand by the original decision but it’s pretty obvious that there’s going to be a re-look and a re-think about a total ban.
"The Special Commission identified systemic failures in the greyhound industry – little or no will to change behaviour and ongoing unacceptable animal welfare standards.
“If the issue is to be revisited, I will reaffirm my position, but will listen to my parliamentary colleagues."
Labor, including Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, has been critical of the greyhound racing ban since the decision was announced in July.