GRICG AGENDA. Apologies Minutes of the previous meeting Matters Arising from the Minutes. Adoption Deferred matters

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1 GRICG NOTICE is hereby given that there will be a Meeting of GRICG on Tuesday, May 29th, 2012, commencing at 10.30am at the offices of Greyhound Racing NSW, Rhodes Corporate Park, Building B, 1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes NSW AGENDA Apologies Minutes of the previous meeting Matters Arising from the Minutes (a) Pink rug trials (b) Time spent by greyhounds behind boxes waiting for race to commence (c) Attendants smoking whilst handling greyhounds. (d) Procaine positives submission needs to be provided to the GRNSW Board (e) Lease agreement between GRNSW and the NCA regarding The Gardens (f) Elevation of Maitland to Tab A status. (g) Racing calendar for 2012/2013 (h) GRICG leaflet (i) Poll regarding spinning the barrel (j) Declining facilities for education of greyhounds (k) Discussion papers on Industry Policy issues to be considered by the Board Adoption Deferred matters (a) Key strategic issues that need to be addressed for the sport in the next 5 years - Wagga GRC - RGPA - Bathurst Club - Matthew Waring Correspondence (a) Bob Whitelaw resignation of David Landa (b) Gary Smith Rule regarding No race incident at Wentworth Park on 25/3/12. (c) Carly Absalom resignation of David Landa (letter attached)

2 General Business (a) Through a dog s ear - a clinical breakthrough in the use of music with dogs! (George Hayes) (b) RGPA 1. Questions revolved around an article in the Greyhound Recorder - written by Peter Davis and the future of Bulli Track and the concept of additional racing and trialing on a proposed add/on Track facility at Richmond for Metro Participants. The concept of Multi-use Track facilities. Can GRNSW provide any answers to the questions? RGPA 2. The concept of providing special events - probably on TAB C and/or Non-TAB for 4 year old greyhounds - to assist in providing a longer racing life for greyhounds not suitable for adoption via GAP. Additional question to pose to GRNSW Management. (c) George Hayes - GRICG Agenda Recommendations for May 29th 2012 Preamble: prize money is the lifeblood of the industry. If participants cannot afford to breed and race greyhounds then the clubs will not have sufficient greyhounds to conduct race meetings. The cost of rearing and racing greyhounds is out of reach of working class people unless the rewards can cover some of the costs. It is therefore imperative that prize money continues to rise with the costs of breeding, owning and training greyhounds. Recommendation No 1: GRICG recommends to GRNSW Board that prize money be increased across the board by at least cpi from July 1st Recommendation No 2 : GRICG recommends to GRNSW Board that Friday night prize money at Wentworth Park be increased to the same level as Saturday night at Wentworth Park with the cpi increase. Preamble : the Our Fair Share Campaign waged by GRNSW showed that in the vicinity of $125 million went to the other two racing codes instead of to the greyhound industry. Participants are finding it difficult to continue their involvement in the sport while prize money is not keeping pace with increasing costs. One way to address the prize money issue would be for the Government to take on board the following recommendations. In his * 2008 report to Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Greene MP, Alan Cameron A.M. made the following recommendations. Recommendation 21 : The three racing codes should agree to amend the Inter-code Agreement to provide that returns to each code from TAB distributions are in proportion to the percentage of wagering generated by each code ; in the absence of such an agreement, the Government should over-ride the Inter-code Agreement and the RDA (TAB & Racingcorp) such that the distributions from the TAB are made directly to each code and in proportion to the percentage of wagering generated by each code Recommendation 22 : Assistance, extending if necessary to short term financial assistance, should be provided to the racing industry in order to assist with this transition, but only when the provision of such funding is supported by a clear

3 business case. Recommendation No 3 : GRICG recommends that GRNSW Board engage a lobbyist to negotiate with Government members to move for the adoption of Recommendations 21 and 22 as proposed in the Cameron Report. Note : *2008 report is titled Correct Weight? A review of wagering and the future sustainability of the NSW racing industry Author : Alan Cameron A.M. NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing ( 1 ) Preamble : there s concerns that greyhound form in the Daily Telegraph may be severely reduced Recommendation No 4 : Pending funding requirements, the Wentworth Park Management Committee believes that GRNSW Board must ensure that participants can be assured of on-going coverage and provision of form in the Daily Telegraph for longevity of wagering and business factors such as sponsorship and patronage. Preamble : many participants are unaware of the existence and purpose of GRICG Recommendation No 5 : That the GRNSW Board authorise and order the production of the advisory leaflet as provided by GRICG. The leaflet to be available at the office of every greyhound track in NSW, where it can be collected by participants. Preamble : the constant barking of greyhounds in racetrack kennels may be viewed as being natural, due to excitement, anticipation, etc. There is also the view that quite a few greyhounds run their races in the kennels, prior to racing. GRICG is seeking the opinion of Dr Brian Daniels regarding a system which may serve to quieten barking greyhounds, thus providing a quiet, non-stressful atmosphere in racetrack kennels. Recommendation No 6 : That GRNSW Board request Dr Brian Daniels to investigate and advise on a particular product designed to provide a stress-free atmosphere in a situation where a large group of dogs are kennelled together. Information on the product to be provided by GRICG. Further, if Dr Daniels indicates that the product has the potential to provide a significant degree of quietness in the kennels, and is worthy of trialling under raceday conditions, then GRICG requests that GRNSW Board issues instructions, and organises and finances the installation of the product at both Bathurst and Richmond tracks on a trial basis. If proven to be effective the product will become the norm for all tracks in NSW.

4 WAGGA & DISTRICT GREYHOUND RACING CLUB LTD The Heart of Racing in the Riverina PO Box 5432 Wagga Wagga N.S.W 2650 Ph: (02) Fax: (02) ABN Mobile Ph Darren Hull John Hartley Ph TO GRICG REPRESENTATIVES In relation to the on the 20 th of March asking for feedback in strategic planning for the next 5 years. There was not a lot of time to respond but with a new board in place it is important that the new board hits the ground running. Strategic Planning. Feedback in relation to the new board after speaking to grassroots industry stakeholders is mixed. Some believe it is the same old, same old and some believe a difference can be made. I believe a difference can be made. Over the last 10 years dating back to the appointment of Adam Wallish as CEO a large number of strategic plans have been put in place by the various boards of GRNSW. You may recall some of these A BETTER FUTURE IER GREYHOUND STRATEGIC PLAN AND WORKSHOPS A FRESH START CHASING If you go back through all these Strategic Plans all have merit but are to comprehensive and although all achieved something it would have been impossible to do everything in them as unforeseen events made it difficult. The recent Chasing 2020 document was probably the best of them. It made a bit more sense. If the new Board is looking at putting something together keep it simple (No pie in the Sky Stuff) and try and concentrate on the most relevant issues working with what has already been achieved. Also be honest about it.

5 When looking at the next 5 years the Strategic plan should be looking at the following : The best Strategic plans have timeframes set. This is a practice adopted by corporate business & all successful businesses in general with great success. E.G. GRNSW is going to develop a Marketing plan for each clubs biggest race meeting of the year Timeframe 1 st January When looking at the Strategic plan the following subjects are essential. PRIZEMONEY: Be open and honest. Prizemoney is governed by returns from TAB Turnover, Product Fees, Corporate Bookmakers etc. The amount of this return can t be guaranteed from year to year. So many factors determine the returns. Every club is trying its utmost to improve the returns. You only have to look at TABCORPS HALF YEARLY REPORT to see how it fluctuates. One factor that could be looked in to in relation to the N.S.W industry is Fixed odds betting. Totalizator sales are well down for the 1 st 6 months of this financial year yet fixed odds wagering is well up. A lot of punters will only bet Fixed odds. Fixed odds tends to mainly operate on Gallop and Harness racing and some selected Greyhound meetings and races. We need to get more fixed odds wagering in to Greyhound racing as a priority or we as an industry will be left behind. This should be of a high priority for the new board. Whether this be through TABCORP or another wagering operator we need to promote this & get fixed odds betting in to NSW Greyhound Racing It would be nice if Prizemoney could increase each year to at least CPI Levels or better. ANIMAL WELFARE : This is an area GRNSW has moved ahead in the last several years with Vets at all meetings, Kennel Inspections improved track surfaces and Kennel Blocks & employment of specific specialist people at GRNSW. Work on what has been put in place and look for improvements in this area. One thing that would be very beneficial in this area now GRNSW have its own vets is the formulation of a booklet on how to treat injuries and illness and things to look for.

6 The plain copy NEW PARTICIPANTS MANUAL put out in 2008 by the Greyhound & Harness Regulatory Authority (Racing Integrity) was a fantastic little booklet. Every participant should have got one of these but didn t. Maybe the new board could revisit this simple A4 booklet and enhance it with animal welfare. This would not cost a lot and is very valuable advice. It was a shame more was not made of this publication that was highly recommended by Jeff Collerson. INTEGRITY : This is another area that has moved forward in recent times inc a record amount of swab samples taken, video on tracks, CCTV, Central Grading. Grading policies, Micro Chipping, PT Trials etc Any future plan should be built around what is in place now It costs a lot to maintain all these improvements. Build on what is in place now and stick to it without introducing more costly measures to the industry and participants. GRNSW OPERATING STANDARDS Strategically these standards are an important factor in the industries future. It monitors performance and most of the issues in relation to running clubs. Most of the information on each Club is available to the new board. From a strategic sense in the future the new board needs to regularly monitor this information in particular to expenses. One idea that was floated to me recently for Clubs that own there own track was can GRNSW go to an energy provider and say ok we have 30 Greyhound Clubs that use large amounts of electricity if we can get all these clubs to sign up as a bulk user what sort of deal can be done on power rates. Maybe part of the Strategic plan using staff already within GRNSW is to look at sensible ways that clubs can cut costs using the above as an example. Another one is approaching local councils where Greyhound Clubs are situated for a rates reduction. Mostly all clubs are not for profit. The new board needs to look in to these type of Commercial arrangements using the Operating Standards and other information. MARKETING GREYHOUND RACING Without being negative it is near an impossibility to promote every Greyhound race meeting that is conducted. To be honest most of the Race meetings are attended by owners and trainers and the odd few enthusiasts and punters. Spending money on attracting people to Greyhound Racing is a tricky subject. In most of the previous Strategic plans it talks about National advertising campaigns and this type of thing. That would be a total waste of

7 money. One thing Greyhound Racing does have that needs to be worked more on is that each Club Conducts that 1 big meeting a year. The other racing codes do this very well. These 1 big meetings are usually the best attended meeting of the year for each club and a lot of effort is put in to them. Its amazing how many people come back or get involved in Greyhound racing by attending these type of race meetings. The strategic plan needs to Address these meetings as this is a time that publicity is good and it attracts peoples attention. The CPG is a great idea but I believe that GRNSW could build on it further for these race meetings. When you consider how much is spent in other area s GRNSW could expand the 1 big meeting a year for each club by allowing an extra One thousand dollars on top of the current CPG Allowance for a TV or Radio campaign for each club for there biggest meeting. If you went to each local TV or Radio Station and said we have a thousand dollars what can you do the week prior to the race meeting its surprising what can be achieved. It targets a new audience for NSW Greyhound Racing. Harness Racing N.S.W introduced its Carnival of Cups which grabs a lot of attention for TAB Harness Race Clubs. We have the Country Challenge which incorporates Non-TAB Racing but we have nothing in place for TAB Racing (A Calendar and promotions built on that 1 big meeting TAB Clubs Conduct e.g Richmond Derby or Lismore Cup) we need to have a theme for this Calendar of TAB Events. Put any Marketing Money in to what we already have. I hope the new board looks at enhancing what is already in place. Although at short notice I thankyou for the opportunity to respond and offer comment for consideration for the NSW Greyhound racing industry. Darren Hull (Wagga & District Greyhound Racing Club)

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9 REGISTERED GREYHOUND PARTICIPANTS ASSOCIATION SUBMISSION TO - STRATEGIC PLAN/DIRECTION GREYHOUND RACING NEW SOUTH WALES Introduction The R.G.P.A. was formally constituted in 2003, the Constitutional Objectives of our Association are defined to assist in the promotion of protective policy to ensure animal welfare, provide co-operation to GRNSW in the development of effective planning policies to foster the financial viability, public image of NSW Greyhound Racing. Our Association meets and consults with participants Monthly, acting in the capacity of an incorporated association and a legal entity to represent stakeholders who share a common view ie: the long term sustainability of the NSW Greyhound Racing Industry. The R.G.P.A. hold a position on the GRICG-Greyhound Racing Consultative Group. Our Association member s share an expectation of maximum monetary return to the Owners and Trainers for the supply of the greyhound racing product and GRNSW to deliver cost effective Administration to provide a high standard of customer service and Regulation control to the NSW Greyhound Industry. Commercial Integrity & Probity Guidelines -Plans & Policies GRNSW a Corporate, Statutory Body formed under the NSW Greyhound Racing Act 2009 observe the functions, policy requirements & compliance of: Fraud Prevention Control Plan Integrity Auditor Independent Commission Against Corruption NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing NSW Office of Liqour, Gaming & Racing NSW Ombudsman Auditor General Dept. NSW Governance The GRNSW should uphold and observe the Probity Policy, Integrity Plans and requirements as defined by the Regulatory Body and the compliance to Greyhound Racing Act 2009 Recommendations specifically in the following areas to ensure the protection and confidence of the public interest in the: Grading of greyhounds, box draws, registration-identification procedures & DNA records of greyhounds, Animal Welfare Policy ensure protection for racing and retired greyhounds, procedures ensure security and transportation of swab urine samples, GRNSW Drug Policy and Laboratory Testing Integrity, Professionalism and Probity GRNSW staff & stewards conduct and procedures,grnsw responsibility for kennel security to protect and uphold -Integrity of the registered participant, Registration and probity Identification scrutiny of Licensed participants to ensure a high standard is upheld for fit and proper persons to hold a Greyhound License in NSW. Regulatory Compliance - Code of Ethics- Standards for GRNSW Regulatory standards should be applied as guidelines for GRNSW to compose New Policies to protect the Integrity of the Greyhound Code. The Ethical Standards must pass public scrutiny, the expectations of stakeholders, NSW Integrity Auditor and Government Compliance.

10 SUSTAINABILITY High Standard Service and Professional Administration Administration -Senior Management and staff costs monitored to provide an efficient cost effective service to Stakeholders; registered participants & race clubs. Deliver Service as a Statutory Authority performing a combination of Regulatory and Commercial functions in an efficient and cost effective manner to ensure the Integrity, Future Growth and Viability of NSW Greyhound Racing GROWTH and SUSTAINABILITY The decisions for future growth and sustainability of the NSW Racing Industry should encompass delivering our product to the wagering export market to support the maximum prizemoney returns to our product supplier-the race participant. The expansion of TAB C developments-product expansion is to be encouraged and feedback from participants is positive in support to the current level of TAB C race opportunities. Increased Prizemoney is necessary for participants to ensure ongoing investment and participation in our sport both breeding, ownership and training is encouraged by greater financial rewards. The infrastructure Capital works funding is perceived to be unsustainable without assistance from Local Councils and State Government. The NSW Race Clubs, some operating as Corporations, should be encouraged to seek additional income options to support their entities. The race clubs in NSW should not rely heavily on Distribution to support their current Business Model.. RACING GRNSW Formal Training Non-TAB Greyhound Race Club Steward The Non-TAB Race Club stewards should receive GRNSW Training for stewarding procedures and constant updates on all relevant Policies, Swabbing Procedures and Security Policy responsibilities. The Non-TAB stewards should be held directly accountable for their actions to GRNSW Integrity Management. Ongoing Probity -GRNSW Steward Training, Procedure, Protocol The greyhound participants have high expectations for the future conduct and professional training of GRNSW race stewards. GRNSW should provide the stakeholders with Stewarding Practices of the Highest Standard to ensure Integrity in the Swabbing Procedures and Regulation of all NSW Greyhound Race Meetings. The stewards must adopt a standard of professionalism that ensures their actions,judgements application of the Rules of Racing provide participants natural justice and applied in a consistent manner. ONGOING RACING - REGULATION Integrity Swabbing Policy, Swab Transportation & Security The Policy for Procedure- Swabbing,Pre-Race Swabs, Compulsory Feature Race Swabs, Out of Competition Testing conducted in the NSW Greyhound Industry should be continually monitored to achieve an Optimum Integrity Swabbing Policy. The Probity of Swabbing Procedures and Security in the Transportation of Swab Samples to the Analytical Laboratory should be continually monitored.

11 Analytical Laboratory Swab Analysis -Greyhounds The Laboratory detection and screening methods should be adapted to research and monitor new types of Prohibited/Illicit Drugs released into the market. GRNSW Drug Free Policy for Racing Greyhound Damage Image- Welfare GRNSW should maintain a stringent Drug Policy to abolish the use of Prohibited/Illicit Drugs in the Greyhound Industry. The use of prohibited drugs in racing is not tolerated by the honest participant, they rely on the Regulator to protect their right to compete in a race on a level playing field. MEMBERS SERVICES GRNSW - Registered Participant Training Schemes DVD Info Package The RGPA support GRNSW to implement Greyhound Participants Training scheme for New and Current Participants. The provisionary training procedure for new greyhound participants should include Hands-On Training in Greyhound Handling, Feeding, Trialing and Race Day Procedure. The issue of an Information Package including a DVD conveying details animal first-aid,feeding,whelping,race day procedure,rules,nomination information,web-site,customer service communication, Detailing Expectation of participant interaction with stewards at race meetings. RACING WELFARE Role of OH& S Hazard Compliance Reports and Inspections-Establish: DATA BASE-Race Club Track Surface Condition, Race Kennel Condition. Role of Race Meeting Welfare Report Track Injury & Vets Report Race track ergonomics-poor track design, radius of turns, track camber and surface quality are cited as the major cause, contributing to the injury of the greyhound. The Stewards Race Club-Track inspection Report should be updated/electronically recorded on GRNSW database for easy reference. The Injury Report, Veterinary and Animal Welfare Reports could establish a pattern of reporting to ascertain Race Clubs that have a History of unsafe track conditions. ANIMAL WELFARE GRNSW Animal Welfare Commitment - Uniform Veterinary Policy GRNSW acting on behalf of the commitment to NSW Animal Welfare should adopt and enforce a Uniform Veterinary Policy for all tracks in NSW. The implementation of Vets on All Tracks in NSW was applauded; and with the further addition of TAB C meetings the Service of On Track Vet employed directly by GRNSW further compliment GRNSW Animal Welfare Initiatives for the racing greyhound in N.S.W. GRNSW Image - Animal Welfare Commitments - G.A.P. GRNSW has finally become pro-active in this area and should continue to reach a high standard in the Animal Welfare of the Racing and Breeding Animals. The RGPA support GRNSW in the establishment and expansion of the Greyhound Adoption Program (Greyhounds As Pets) and Greenhound to promote and foster a better image of our Industry to the wider community.

12 Racing Welfare Growth The RGPA supports the introduction of additional Age Race and Gender Race programming to encourage participants to race their greyhounds for a longer period. Our Association believes the conversion of additional NSW Race Meetings to TAB C is an ideal area to support this type of Race Programming. IN CONCLUSION: RGPA Wish list for the NSW Greyhound Sport: Deliver Regular Prizemoney Increases Growth Exposure of Our Product Encourage Cost Efficiency in Race Clubs and GRNSW Administration Commercial decisions initiatives-to encourage Sustainability Setting up of the vet unit: this unit should implement training and expectations of duties to be performed by all vets in attendance at all Race Meetings on N.S.W. tracks. GRNSW needs to address declining greyhound education and training facilities i.e. Trial Tracks in the Sydney Metro and across N.S.W. The Metro area has high percentage- demographics of greyhounds and trainers specifically requiring this service to educate young greyhounds and the need to pre-train for racing. On Behalf of the Registered Greyhound Participants Assoc. Comments NSW Greyhound Racing Strategic Direction Submission to GRICG & GRNSW 27/03/2012

13 Hi Chrissy, I think like a lot of people I'm concerned with, where are the next generation of participants coming from? It s an increasing theme, especially here at Bathurst when you look around at the crowd on-course and you would say the average age would be from years old. I would like to see GRNSW come up with some incentives for young participants between the ages of where they could possibly get a handlers licence for half price, or even prizemoney bonuses for trainers in that age group that get a winner on a TAB track. Maybe even a grants system is setup where young participants could apply for a grant or scholarship type funding to help them get started with building kennels or running yards etc. Also it has been mentioned before, but a TAFE course to become an accredited greyhound trainer for young people starting out in the industry would be extremely beneficial. I believe it s being looked into, but I think we need to have something implemented in the next 5 years or we may miss the boat.

14 From: Matthew Waring Date: 20/03/2012 7:35:18 PM To: Subject: Re: Agenda Reduction of race tracks and as a result, more dates for established centre of excellence clubs/ established tab clubs. No more tab dates to those currently not supplying tab product. On going press campaign to counter negative protest groups. If I think of anymore I'll let u know. Regards, Matthew Waring McCarthy Ausgroup Pty Ltd Industrial Relations Consultant/Solicitor

15 GRICG should be asking GRNSW the circumstances why the integrity auditor was forced to resign, it s a shame he had use the press to get his point across, his honesty is truly respected by the participants the same cannot be said about GRNSW. regards bob whitelaw

16 From: Gary Smith Date: 27/03/2012 9:57:32 AM To: Subject: Maiden heats Went Sunday I would like to bring to the attention of Gricg about the no race incident of race 6 at the Maiden Heats at Wentworth Park on Sunday. I know what the rules state and I know the stewards were only doing their job as per the rules but this incident that involved Doreen Drynan s dog Catcha Grenade could and will probably happen again and I like many trainers believe the rule that was applied should be reviewed and changes made. To conduct the ballot and Catcha Grenade to miss out completely is absolutely heartbreaking for the trainer and would be for anyone in that situation. Anyone can watch the replay of race 6 and clearly no dog was going to beat Catcha Grenade and this dog should have been exempt from the ballot as it did not gain an advantage. A ballot draw for the other two places would have been fine as there was interference to the back half of the field and surely any dog that was about to run home was impeded to different degrees but saying that the winner was never gonna get caught. I believe GRICG is formed to deal with these sort of problems and discuss with GRNSW about a modification to the rule that would have given the stewards at there discretion to exclude Catcha Grenade from the ballot that was conducted and placed the dog straight through to the semi's and then conducted a ballot between the other dogs for the other two spots required. I hope to hear a positive response to this problem. Gary Smith 1006 Old Hume Highway Tumblong NSW dogsrme.smith@gmail.com

17 ITEMS FOR GRICG MAY 2012 INTEGRITY AUDITOR Background I am very concerned that the resignation of the Integrity Auditor has exposed the greyhound sport to a situation whereby there is a peak body that has absolute power and no avenue for complaints to be heard by an independent body. I have attached 2 letters that were printed in the Greyhound Recorder. These are attached to emphasise why I am concerned. I have also had correspondence from the former Integrity Auditor, David Landa OAM, regarding recommendations he made to GRNSW in respect of an inquiry he undertook. This information is in the recommendations I am putting to GRICG. Recommendation 1 That GRICG calls on GRNSW to issue a press release which answers the following questions: A) Why did the GRNSW Board reject the request of the former Integrity Auditor to undertake a review of swabbing procedures? B) Why did the GRNSW Board reject the request of the former Integrity Auditor to ask for public submissions in relation to his proposed review of swabbing procedures? C) In respect of the inquiry referred to in the GRNSW press release advising of the resignation of the Integrity Auditor, what was the answer to the Integrity Auditors question on Should the stewards in exercising their controls of critical kennelling procedures be required to have the onus of proof of what did or did not occur? D) Again in respect of the inquiry in (C) what was the answer to the Integrity Auditors question on Should the rules and process require documentation and signatures of all parties that establish that kennelling procedures have at all times been duly observed? Recommendation 2 That GRICG calls on GRNSW to request the Government to amend the Greyhound Racing Act 2009 to ensure that there is a truly independent body such as ICAC, Ombudsman, IAB or Auditor General as examples that can truly hear complaints, make recommendations and take action in respect of the complaints against GRNSW, its staff, actions and procedures. 2.1 If the position of the Integrity Auditor is to continue, rather than a move to an already existing organisation then GRICG calls on GRNSW to request the Government to amend the Greyhound Racing Act 2009 in relation to the position of Integrity Auditor to ensure that the position is a truly independent one. There are two changes that need to be made: a) The position of Integrity Auditor must be appointed by a body other than GRNSW b) The Integrity Auditor needs to have complete autonomy in relation to deciding what matters they can investigate and the manner that the investigations will take.

18 The Editor The Greyhound Recorder to Post original to Locked Bag 1700, Lidcombe NSW 1825 Dear Sir, 21/4/12 Re Greyhound Racing NSW AND The Integrity Auditor On or about July 2011, I was appointed to the position of Integrity Auditor of GRNSW, in accordance with the provisions of the Greyhound Racing Act The appointment was also with the approval of The Minister. When I commenced my function I found that although there had been an earlier incumbent in the role for over 18 months, no procedures had been put in place for effectively providing any of the functions of the office. Nor indeed had any action been carried out to respond to the complaints directed to the Integrity Auditor. Accordingly I set about implementing a proposed structure and took other steps to let the public be aware of the role. As time progressed it became apparent to me that there are failings in the legislation that makes the functioning of this position as an independent oversight, simply not possible. In the circumstances I found that there was no way forward in defining the powers and duties of the Integrity Auditor without the consent and agreement of Greyhound Racing NSW. That situation could not,in my view, have been the intended consequence of the Parliament when it sought to create an Independent oversight of this part of the racing industry. It certainly proved to render any semblance of independence or authority less than an illusion. Added to that, no agreement on key issues was ever achieved, or seemingly achievable. In the circumstances I saw no alternative other than to resign my office and to draw The Minister s attention to this situation. Having occupied the office of The NSW Ombudsman I am fully cognisant of the role of an Independent Oversight authority. If the legislature had intended the Integrity Auditor to be independent then it has totally failed. The independence of The Integrity Auditor is a fiction. There is clearly an expectation from participants of Greyhound Racing in this state that grievances that they have can be examined by a competent and independent authority. In the short time of my involvement I received a number of complaints that indicated to me that this is not an industry ready for self regulation. Yours truly David Landa OAM PO Box 1445,Rozelle,2039

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20 Letter to The Editor I was upset to read Wagging Tales by Peter Davis last week where he seemed to suggest that the previous Integrity Auditor, Mr David Landa, did little work whilst in the role. When the first Integrity Auditor, Mr John Costigan was in the role I sent a complaint re: swabbing procedures. This was returned months later postmarked uncollected return to sender. I referred this to my local member of parliament as I felt that to have an Integrity Auditor who does not collect his mail was likely to be a breach of the Act. Not long after this, without any mention of why, GRNSW appointed Mr David Landa as the new Integrity Auditor. I sent my complaint to him and received a very quick reply stating that he had received my complaint and would look into the matter. Over his time as the Integrity Auditor I met with Mr Landa and spoke to him on the phone regarding my complaint. I was confident that he was dealing with it in a professional manner. He clearly had an understanding of the integrity issues involved. He had studied the relevant ICAC recommendations and had attended at least one Wentworth Park race meeting to witness the swabbing and kennelling procedures. Before his resignation Mr Landa informed me that he was ready to conduct an inquiry into swabbing where he would ask for public submissions. He just needed approval from the Board of GRNSW. Not long after this he informed me he had resigned for reasons he clearly stated in a letter to the editor printed last week. Whilst Peter Davis and GRNSW may see the Integrity Auditor as a plum role, to suggest that Mr David Landa treated it this way is clearly incorrect. Carly Absalom

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22 R57 Postponement or abandonment (1) An Event declared to be a False Start or a No Race shall be postponed or abandoned if, in the opinion of the Stewards the re-starting of the Event would be detrimental to the welfare of the greyhounds or, any other circumstance warrants the postponement or abandonment of the Event. (2) Where an abandoned Event is a leg of a series, the Stewards shall, on the same day, conduct a public random draw from all greyhounds which competed, or at the time were to compete, in the abandoned Event to determine the greyhound or greyhounds, which shall be eligible to participate further in the series. A random draw conducted pursuant to this Rule will render any greyhound ineligible to be a reserve greyhound if times are a factor in the selection of reserve greyhounds. (3) Where an Event is abandoned pursuant to Rule 57(1), the prize money allocated to the Event shall be distributed evenly among the relevant connections of the greyhounds eligible to compete at the time of the abandonment. (4) Where any circumstances arise or might arise either before or after the commencement of a meeting which might prevent the conduct or continued conduct of that meeting, the Controlling Body, or the Stewards, or other authorised person may declare that the meeting or any part thereof be abandoned or postponed. (5) Where circumstances prevent the conduct of the meeting and a Steward, or other authorised person is not present at the premises of the club, the secretary of the club shall endeavour to contact the Stewards, or an officer of the Controlling Body to make a determination on the matter and where the Stewards or an officer of the Controlling Body are unavailable, the club may declare that the meeting or any part thereof be abandoned or postponed. (6) A declaration to postpone an Event to another day is subject to the meeting on that other day being permitted by the Controlling Body. (7) In the event of an Event being postponed, the box positions shall stand for the Event when conducted. (8) Should a meeting or event be postponed to another day, any withdrawals notified for such meeting or event, with the exception of those withdrawals subject to a period of incapacitation, shall be deemed void and the time for withdrawals shall be extended until the prescribed time on which the meeting is held. (amended ) (9) Sub-rule 8 shall not apply to a greyhound classified as a reserve, which was withdrawn before the postponement decision solely on the basis that no other greyhound had been withdrawn from the Event for which the reserve had been classified. (10) In any case referred to in sub-rule (9), reserve greyhounds are to be reinstated and to be eligible to replace greyhounds withdrawn at the appointed scratching time on the day to which the meeting or Event is postponed. (11) If it is impracticable to postpone an Event, the Event shall be abandoned.

23 What is The Greyhound Racing Industry Consultation Group (GRICG) has the function of consulting with and making recommendations to Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) on matters concerning greyhound racing in NSW the Board of GRNSW is committed to developing and ensuring that GRICG is an active channel for consultation and discussion of industry issues the members of GRICG are honorary and no remuneration is payable to them in respect of the duties they perform Participants and Stakeholders are encouraged to put forward ideas, recommendations, suggestions and raise any issues or concerns regarding greyhound racing in NSW via GRICG More information about GRICG is available on The Dogs website Contact Postal address Greyhound Racing Industry Consultation Group PO Box 245 Richmond NSW 2753 Telephone George Hayes Telephone Robert Green Telephone Christine Mackenzie