| Just received by email: - November 9, 2016 update Dear Participants, Since our last update the Alliance has undertaken a range of issues, with a summary and relevant additional information provided below. Orange Fundraiser
On Thursday, October 27, thanks to the work of dedicated participants in the Orange region, a Fair Go fundraiser was conducted to raise funds for the Alliance. The night included a range of raffles and auctions which, along with tickets to the night, raised $50,000. Congratulations to all that were involved with the night, including the event coordinators; Sandra Spratt and Tracey Barnes and sponsors. Particular recognition for Central West Mowers and Heating, Gabba Lodge, Glen Abbey Lodge, Wheeler Kennels, Orange Mayor John Davis, Mark Duclos (the nights MC) and Sunny Lodge Education Centre Cudal. The night was a huge success, a great fund-raiser and certainly enjoyed by all in attendance. Orange Field Days
From October 20-22, a range of volunteers assisted the Alliance in manning the stand at the Orange Field Days with plenty of yellow T shirts on show! The presence at the event allowed the opportunity for those affected by the Governments announcement on July 7 to discuss their experiences. The greyhounds on display and the giveaways proved a hit, especially with the youngsters. The stand also provided a great opportunity for engagement with locals who are due to vote in the regions by-election next Saturday. A lot of goodwill flowed from the promotion. And it was very clear, based on the feedback received, that high levels of disenchantment existed amongst the public with regard to the Governments initial decision to ban greyhound racing. The Alliance thanks the volunteers that assisted so willingly and professionally with this wonderful promotion. Political awareness in the greyhound industry has obviously heightened since July 7. The Alliance, accordingly, facilitated communication between greyhound racing participants and various political parties to which the said participants had expressed a desire to assist. All the best to those assisting at the polling booths on Saturday. Jones and Hadley in Orange
Alan Jones and Ray Hadley will be in Orange over the next couple of days Thursday, November 10 and Friday, November 11. Both Alan and Ray will host their radio programmes (2GB and associated regional stations) live from the Orange Ex-Services Club at 231 to 243 Anson Street, Orange tomorrow. Alans programme runs from 5.30 am to 9.00am and Ray from 9.00am to 12noon. The attendance of members of the greyhound fraternity is welcomed and will be appreciated. Alan and Ray are also hosting a community forum tomorrow night. Again the location is the Orange Ex-Services and the starting time is 5.30pm for 6.00pm. The attendance of members of the greyhound community is again encouraged and will be welcomed. Warnes Bay Fundraiser
A dinner at Warnes Bay Sports Club has been set down for Friday, November 25. Tickets can be purchased at the Club or local tracks (The Gardens, Gosford and Maitland). Based on feedback from the Orange event, the social aspect of the night has been just as important as fundraising, so we encourage all that can attend to do so. Thank you Events
Over coming weeks, tracks throughout NSW will seek to host Thank you events which will seek to recognise the efforts of so many throughout NSW who assisted the industry in its pursuit to have the greyhound racing ban overturned. The Alliance acknowledges that there is still work to be done before the legislation is ultimately repealed but it is important to acknowledge those that were so solid in their support leading into the October 11 reversal announcement. The events are also seen as an important way that participants and supporters can come together and work on the path forward. The major thank you event will be held at Wentworth Park on Saturday, November 26 where mainstream media supporters and commentators, political members, greyhound media and other key members have been invited. The night will include a range of race presentations, interviews, kids jumping castle and seeks to draw together our community in a night of appreciation. Gate entry on November 26 will be a gold coin donation, with funds going to Motor Neuron Disease Research, a cause supported by one of the industrys most vocal supporters, Ray Hadley. The Alliance encourages all to get trackside for what should be a night a great comradery. Legal action
The Alliance has previously commenced proceedings in both the Supreme and Federal Courts. The Supreme Court action involves challenging the validity of the Special Commission of Inquiry Report while the Federal Court action is based on the premise that the prohibition legislation contravened the Constitution of Australia. Legal representation for both the Alliance (NSW GBOTA) and the Crown have agreed to put aside Federal Court action on the basis that the Greyhound Racing Prohibition legislation is to be repealed. The Alliance remains of the firm view that the proposed legislation would, if implemented, be in contravention of Section 92 of the Constitution and remains totally committed to that position should, for whatever, reason, the legislation not be repealed. Whilst the reversal of the ban has to a significant degree altered the purpose of the Supreme Court proceedings, action continues. The Alliance commenced proceedings on the basis that the Government had based its decision to ban the industry, and the passing of enabling legislation, on the Special Commission of Inquiry report which, in the view of the Alliance, was factually flawed. A successful challenge must establish jurisdictional error as opposed to purely factual failings. Submission to the Taskforce
The Alliance will next week make public its submission to the Greyhound Industry Taskforce regarding the economic loss that would have been incurred by industry stakeholders had the NSW greyhound industry closed as of July 1, 2017. The Greyhound Taskforce, headed by Dr. John Keniry, was formed in order to present a report to Government regarding financial assistance and support that would need to be provided to the NSW greyhound industry stakeholders as a result of the industry being banned. The Alliance met with the Taskforce on several occasions and constantly strove to outline the cost impact on participants in the lead up to the Governments October 11 announcement to reverse the ban. The Alliance appointed Pitcher Partners to assist with the compilation of the economic loss report which was completed in draft form on October 10. The Taskforce advised the Alliance on October 12 that, given the October 11 decision, it would not be completing its report to Government. It would, however, be handing over observations and other relevant information to Government. It was agreed that the Alliance Report on economic loss be part of this handover. The Alliance Report concluded as follows:
Estimated economic loss to key stakeholders: $255m
Possible funding required for industry employees: $24m
Make good requirements at racetracks: $25m Greyhound Industry Reform Panel
Simultaneous with the announcement to overturn the ban, the Government announced on October 11 that it was forming a Greyhound Racing Industry Reform Panel. The five person panel will make recommendations to Government by mid December regarding the future governance, regulatory and animal welfare requirements of the industry. Following this, the panel will assist the Government in the drafting of legislation that will be required as a result of the panels report and the Governments decision. The panel composition is as follows:
The Hon. Morris Iemma: Chairman
Simon Draper: Department of Premier and Cabinet
Steve Coleman: CEO RSPCA
Christine Middlemiss: NSW Chief Veterinary Officer
Brenton Scott: NSW Greyhound Racing Industry Alliance The panel is being assisted by an expert committee of advisors. It is also reliant on a number of reports undertaken across Australia that have considered regulation and animal welfare needs of the greyhound industry. The Alliance representation on the panel is being supported by weekly conferences of the Alliance steering committee. It is expected that the future governance model will involve a very clear separation of regulatory/integrity and commercial functions. In addition, animal welfare recommendations can be expected to centre on total lifecycle management, track safety and code of practice requirements that have the welfare of our greyhounds front and centre. NSW will be expected to link with the strategies of all other States with regard to a future that seeks to ensure community confidence in the ethics and sustainability of the greyhound industry. Ongoing role of the Alliance
In the period July 7 to October 11, the Alliance obviously concentrated on overturning the ban. This involved consultancy support across government, media and public relations, funding of the highly successful public rally and a widely praised advertising campaign, legal action and the production of information and submissions for Government. Its ongoing role will involve considering the recommendations of the Reform Panel and contributing to legislation considerations. We expect to maintain strong political interaction and will also look to devote resources toward securing the best possible future funding model. The fight for a respected future continues! Sincerely, Alliance Communication Team
| 
Do you have questions how to use the Greyhound-Data website?
