GRNSW Continue Pressure On NSW Minister Greene
As the thoroughbred powerbrokers descend on an Eastern Suburbs location for their “crisis” meeting this afternoon, Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) today launched www.ourfairshare.com.au – a new website informing the public about the major inequalities in the way TAB funds are distributed to the three racing codes.
Speaking to an industry consultative forum in Sydney's Western suburb of Yagoona, GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan unveiled the website and called on the many members of the greyhound industry, including trainers, breeders, punters and volunteers to express their concerns to the Minister for Gaming and Racing Kevin Greene.
Greyhound racing currently sponsors the two horse racing codes to the tune of $8 million per year.
“www.ourfairshare.com.au informs the public about the major discrepancies in funding that the greyhound racing industry contributes compared to the amount it actually receives,” Hogan said.
“The website provides the public with the forum to voice their concerns and how to contact the Minister, who can secure the future of the sport by implementing the recommendations put forward by the Alan Cameron report.
“The Cameron report provides a clear and decisive reform agenda for the Rees Government to implement and secure the long term future of the racing industry. This will only be done by embracing a culture of promoting and rewarding innovation, growth and performance and allowing the NSW racing and wagering industry to compete on a level playing field with its interstate colleagues.
“Ourfairshare.com.au dispels all the myths out there about the issue. It shows the minister we, as a collective community, will fight for the betterment of our sport until the changes are made.”
Ourfairshare.com.au contains the full Alan Cameron report, all of the latest news about the issue, a snapshot of the national wagering landscape in which NSW lags well behind and which State MP‟s electorates our tracks operate in. It will also be regularly updated, with new features to be added.
“We are calling on the public to make their feelings clear to the Government,” Hogan said.
“Wagering on greyhound racing has increased by 10% in the past two years however as a result of the outdated structure we are not rewarded for it.
“It is holding New South Wales back, particularly in regional areas, where under the present arrangements we cannot invest in improving infrastructure, introducing TAB racing and creating additional employment opportunities in those areas.
“On top of the many calls, letters and emails we have received about the issue, this website will show the Minister and the Premier how important it is for these changes to be made.”
The clear cut benefits of implementing the recommendations will also be outlined on the website.