| August 11 update Good afternoon All, Late last night, the NSW Legislative Council (Upper House) passed the Greyhound Prohibition Bill 2016 without amendment. What does this mean ? The draft legislation to close the Greyhound Industry in line with Premier Baird's announcement on July 7 was presented to members of parliament yesterday, August 10. The Bill is lengthy, and can be found here. An alternative to this Bill was presented by Reverend Fred Nile during the first reading to the Upper House, supported by Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party. Reverend Nile referred to a committee so that members can participate and report to the House. Efforts were made by Labor, the Christian Democratic Party and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party to have two amendments to the Bill made. These centred around the use of Crown Land and Compensation to the Industry. Both ultimately were defeated. What now? On Thursday, August 11, the Bill moved from the Legislative Council to Legislative Assembly (Lower House). The Bill got to second reading and the matter was then adjourned just prior to 11am this morning. What does that mean? The Bill will now sit until August 23, when debate can recommence. There is a chance that the Hon. Sonia Hornery will seek to have the petition with over 37,000 signatures debated this afternoon, 11/8/16 at around 4.30pm. This however may get deferred. So where to now? 1.The Alliance will continue to lobby Members of the Lower House on the flaws of the report, the sustainability of the industry and that this Bill should not be passed.
We will look to see what amendments may be able to be achieved that aid us.
Area this may include; Compensation, Land use, extending the ban date; allowing reforms to be implemented and proven. 2.Our first legal fight continues.
We have proceedings before the NSW Supreme Court that go to the flaws and process of the McHugh Report.
Even if this case was to be found in the Industry's favour and legislation had been passed, then it would not overturn legislation.
What could be achieved from this outcome is seeking a member of Parliament to put in to rescinding motion to repeal the legislation.
Additional pressure could then be applied to MPs that they have supported Legislation that was based on a report shown by the NSW Supreme Court to be flawed in key areas. 3.Should the Bill pass to Legislation in the next sitting that is not the end of our fight. We understand how disheartening this all is, but we must remain strong. Upon Legislation being passed, our legal team would review the exact terms of legislation and therefore what options are available. The legal team unfortunately will keep this information guarded for 2 reasons; ◦It potentially allows changes that undermine a case ◦The more disclosed publicly the stronger an opposing counsel can be prepared for our arguments So what can participants do? Please keep lobbying your member to make the point that the movement of this Bill in such a hasty manner is unfair and railroads those seeking to make valuable contributions to the process. Additionally, impress upon MP's that the passing of the Bill prior to the outcome of the NSW Supreme Court on the McHugh Report is fraught with danger. The legal team supporting this case believe there are very strong grounds to our case relating to the McHugh Report. So much of the data and more over process does not meet legal standards. In line with Tuesday's email, we have put a future plan that establishes that the industry is viable and sustainable. This seems to be a point troubling Liberal MP's in particular, and the industry welcomes independent review of that information to verify it. A copy of the current MP's is available here - write to all MP's The most effective form of contact, is via Social Media (Facebook & Twitter). Please seek the assistance of family and friends and tag MP's on this items. Be calm, passionate and polite in seeking thorough discussion on this Bill. Finally, over the coming week, while Parliament is adjourned, some Club's may facilitate meetings with the Department of Justice and Participants. Participants should have information prepared on the following areas: Transition package: ◦How many dogs you currently have & their ages ◦How many can be kept in line with council regulations ◦What is the cost to keep these greyhounds per week ◦What is your age & will this decision see you end up with you needing to seek welfare payments ? ◦Are you able to receive training in an sector that would lead to your employment - what employment exists within your community ? Compensation: ◦What are your assets worth? (Kennels, vehicles, walking machines, hydrobath, stud fees etc) ◦What is likely property value ? ◦How many other properties with greyhounds are in your region ? We encourage you to additionally pass the transition and compensation information on to your Federal MP, as welfare payments would be payable by the Federal Government. We think there is benefit at this point in bringing the Federal MP's more to apply some pressure. NSW Greyhound Racing Industry Alliance
Communication Unit
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