Legislative Assembly passes bill to ban greyhound racing
GREYHOUND racing will be banned in New South Wales from July 1, 2017, after legislation to outlaw the sport was passed through the Lower House of state parliament 48 votes to 35.
It comes just two weeks after Baird made the bizarre move to pass the bill through the Upper House first, with many speculating that it was a tactic to avoid fuelling a heated debate within the Legislative Assembly and to prevent MPs from crossing the floor.
“Urgent notices of motion being introduced to the Upper House has usually been reserved for extreme issues such as legislation for terrorism and the like,” Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said at the time.
“The Baird Government is determined to sidestep due process today by introducing legislation which will ignore a significant section of our community.”
While the bill ultimately passed through the Lower House in the early hours of Wednesday morning, it wasn't all good news for Baird and his Deputy Premier Troy Grant, with three Nationals MPs crossing the floor to oppose the ban and a further two MPs vowing to abstain in the vote.
It was the most substantial rebellion in the history of the O'Farrell-Baird Government, with the only member of Coalition to have crossed the floor during their reign being Peter Phelps over ethanol laws.
Mike Baird released a statement on Wednesday morning to express his satisfaction with the Government's overall decision, ignoring the internal revolt which has been occurring within the Coalition Government over the ban.
“When I came into politics, I never envisaged having to make a decision like this one. The driving focus of our government has been, and remains, rebuilding NSW after years of neglect,” Baird said.
“But I also didn't come into politics just to make the easy decisions or to kick the big problems down the road. Too often governments put confronting problems in the too hard basket. We are not that kind of government.
“I'm proud of the decision we have made to save thousands upon thousands of dogs from cruelty and death. It wasn't an easy decision, but it was the right decision.
“We will now continue helping the innocent trainers and breeders, who have been let down by their industry, as they transition away from racing. I know many of them are disappointed. I feel deep empathy for them, and I'm determined to help them as best we can.”
The bill was passed after 3am in the morning on Wednesday, with several MPs voicing their distain for the legislation including Cootamundra MP Katrina Hodgkinson, one of the Nationals who crossed the floor.
“I have been threatened for expressing my views by some who have served in this place for periods far less than me,” she said.
“So be it. After 17 years I will happily stand by my reasoning. To serve in Parliament members must have some guiding principles that are innate and not instructed.
“If the process was different I am certain so too would be the outcome, an outcome based on a more methodical and logical process to a complex but not impossible issue.
“In this Parliament we have and will continue to deal with issues more exceptional than this, but if those who rely on us to find the calmer process of a more diligent resolution are ignored, then this vote to ban an industry must be defeated.
“I take this tough decision today not to vote with Labor, but I have to oppose this legislation on behalf of my electorate, on behalf of those who are sick and depressed by this proposed ban and who feel that they have no voice, and on behalf of those many people who are involved in agriculture in my electorate who will be targeted based on the precedent being set today.”
Opposition Leader Luke Foley kicked off the debate, with a two-hour speech which was scathing of the actions of the Coalition government.
“What we have here is the extraordinary intervention by the State — a Coalition Government, with the Liberal Party as the largest party in that coalition — taking away property rights, closing down private business activity and closing down an industry that contributes $335 million per annum to the State's economy.
“If a Labor Government did it there would be cries of socialism and communism ringing from those opposite and their cheer squad in the media.
“Yet here we have a Liberal Premier — a leader of a party that claims to champion private enterprise and the private sector economy — with the stroke of a pen or, more accurately, with the click of a keyboard to put it on Facebook, wiping out an entire industry, outlawing it, declaring it illegal.”
Foley also re-iterated Labor's position that Parliament should be used to strengthen animal welfare and integrity measures within the greyhound racing industry, not to rub out the entire industry.
Foley slammed the Government in a statement on Wednesday morning and was particularly critical of the Nationals MPs who refused to stand up for their constituents.
“Regional and rural NSW has been let down by a National Party which has done little more than act as a lickspittle for a North Shore Liberal Premier,” Foley said.
“There are thousands of good and honest people in the greyhound industry that will have their livelihoods destroyed by this Liberal-National Government.”
Labor moved several amendments during the course of the debate, all of which were defeated, one of which was to suspend debate of the bill for three months pending the Supreme Court challenge launched by the industry.
The industry is claiming that many facts within the McHugh report are incorrect, with questions also having arisen in regards to a potential bias in the favour of those opposing greyhound racing.
Michael Daley, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing was disgusted by Baird's tactic to pass the bill so quickly.
“There was no reason for the legislation to be rammed through the Parliament in the early hours of the morning,” Daley said.
“I moved to suspend the debate for three months until the Supreme Court had delivered its judgement. How can anyone think that is unreasonable?
“We know Mike Baird thinks he's above the community, now he thinks he's above the independent umpire.
“Mike Baird knows he's done the wrong thing. He's chosen to rush this legislation through and push all the pain onto those in the industry who will be ruined by this.”
The greyhound racing industry will continue to fight for the legislation to be overturned, with Barrister David Bennett QC representing the industry in the Supreme Court in a battle to have the Special Commission of Inquiry report declared invalid.
The matter is due back in court on September 29.
Mike Baird expressing ‘sympathy’ for owners and breeders who have done nothing wrong!….pigs arse he does. Hope he rots in hell.
BJoe looking for sympathy himself with his “broken vertebrae” what a pathetic attempt that is. If you had a broken vertebrae you would be in hospital not in parliament stuffing up people’s lives He’s sorry -yes I’m sure he had no idea what a dog’s dinner he would be creating. Revitalising the state ? What by selling off every income producing asset to foreign buyers and destroying a 335 million dollar industry. I think his days as a pollie are numbered and then he can fade in obscurity like his seat warming father and I am pretty sure fading into… Read more »
Adam Marshall “Proud National -Closet Green” stated “It is not the same in the horse racing industry, they do have regulatory oversight, they do have inspectors to check on animal welfare, they have doping testing regimes, they do have oversight mechanisms in place that greyhounds have not had,” he said. Is this fool for real? Who voted for this person? This was his argument that the government was not closing horse racing -obviously sold out to animal activism and may be too stupid to actually realise it. Before this the only press he got was for drink driving and speeding. What… Read more »
Sorry NSW but remember you voted in this abomination of a Government, Baird, Grant, Gay et al are without doubt the ugliest mob ever in NSW, God Save Us all from this group of mongrel bastards.
Deborah555 I don’t see why everyone can’t just move on to cockroach racing. That’s even cheaper and easier for a “battler” to get into.
Deborah555 BJoe You’re pretty sure about a lot of things that go on in people’s heads that you can’t actually know about. You should setup a fortune teller stall at the local markets and profit from these amazing psychic abilities you have.
Mike Baird has banned socks now that he has fallen down the stairs in a pair, so he claims. or did the lock out laws force him to drink at home?
Hugh_ Deborah555 BJoe Thanks Hugh I will get right onto it. I need a new hobby now.
Hugh_ BJoe Hugh are you part timing it with the Justice Department suggesting business activities for former greyhound trainers ? It is nice of you to help with the financial compensation package like this.
Deborah555 Hugh_ BJoe They offered to employ me. I declined and said I would do it for free out of the goodness of my heart..
Hugh_ Deborah555 BJoe Well they don’t intend to actually hand out any money so you would have had no choice really even if you wanted to be paid. They apparently had some money but used the taxpayers money on advertising and sending out thousands of email addresses allegedly breaking privacy laws and I would imagine some serious catering expenses while they send out links for lifeline, centrelink and advice as to how to get your dogs put down at the RSPCA by some nice man if you cannot afford to feed them.
Mike makes travel arrangements for lap dog to attend Greyhounds Australasia Board Meeting
Deborah555 Hugh_ BJoe
Holy hell! Hughie’s back! Hope he understands that the decision by the Baird Government had very little or nothing to do with animal welfare. Hey Hughie….how many animals is your Organisation gonna re-home? No doubt your mob will now move onto the next cause and leave those behind to deal with the consequences of Baird’s decision.
Just remember 7 maggots from the bush caused this 7 absolute mongrel gutted bastards.
Picture this Baird Grant and the head of the RSPCA with LOGO back drop press conference telling us all, that the Baird Grant government are shutting down Greyhound racing here in NSW . Today here in Newcastle on talk back Radio on am 2HD a Mr Peter J**** rang in and said he was a former RSPCA employee for many years until his retirement i must say it was rude of the Show Host who kept talking over the top him when he was trying to explain how barbaric the RSPCA were when it came to the EUTHANASIA of Animals… Read more »
BJoe Deborah555 Hugh_ What’s my organisation?
I don’t care about Baird’s motives, I care about results for animals. I’ll take small victories however they come. The way animals are treated in society is a travesty, and I’m not going to oppose a change the improves their treatment because a politician’s motives may not be pure. Since when was a politician’s motives pure? I’m sure it happens, but it’s not something I ever count on.
Hugh_ BJoe Deborah555 pigs arse hugh. you dorks are riding on the BAIRD WAVE so don’t come the raw prawn with us fella. I asked you fools weeks ago ARE YOU GOING TO ADOPT ANY OF THE TARGETED GREYS TO BE SLAUGHTERED IN 2017. not hard to answer. just put ya vegan pie down and type old cock. what about the king of dog lovers….literally a dog lover.HE IS CRUEL TO ANIMALS ISNT HE? OR YOU SIDE WITH THAT TYPE OF FETISH HUGHIE? PETER SINGER the dog yodeller loves humans having sex with animals. do ya see anything wrong with that statement… Read more »
BJoe Deborah555 Hugh_ You better believe it they will.
talk the talk,but don’t walk the talk.
Hugh_ Deborah555 BJoe pigs arse hugh. act your age and intelligence son.
Hugh_ BJoe Deborah555
Hughie!. You haven’t answered my question about what steps your Organisation is going to take regarding the re-homing prospects of the many greyhounds that will be out of a job come 30 June 2017.
Please could somebody tell me how many successful prosecutions have the RSPCA had over the last five years involving GREYHOUND mistreatments ?
Hugh_ BJoe Deborah555 Mungbean, so you honestly believe this to be a victory for animals do you? And specifically greyhounds? I thought you said you were educated? You don’t care about pollies motives? Really? What if those motives harmed other animals, Hughie? Don’t care to think? Don’t care to think of the consequences of this for the potential 30,000 greyhounds now with a noose around their neck?
They would have been killed anyway, is that the educated thinking?
You did all the sums, Hughie?
I think you have a bit of brain damage from magic mushrooms my little hypocritical closet meat muncher.
You have motives confused with actions.
I answered your question with a question. What is my organisation? You seem to be assuming I’m a part of one.
Hugh_ every motive has an action HUGH……otherwise its just a thought.
Jeff and Hugh please come forward and tell us why this organisation (RSPCA) in its Machiavellian way when dealing with Animal Welfare are allowed to get away with it? please explain
Go back and read my previous message, you’ve clearly misunderstood it. You said “what if these motives harm animals”. How does that work? Actions harm animals. Whether the motive was a realestate deal, animal welfare, or BOTH, the outcome is positive. if you can explain how the outcome is bad for animals, then make that argument. Saying “oh Baird actually only cares about selling Wentworth park” has no impact on whether or not I would support a ban that I view as a positive step forward for animal welfare. It also isn’t an argument for why it’s bad for animals.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/megalomania add your thoughts who in the human world,would fit into this MEGALOMANIA CATEGORY. 1. HITLER…..tick 2. IDI AMIN….tick 3. animal activists….tick 4. peter singer…..tinger tick tick do wha diddy…..tick.he does to the beat of HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY IN THE WINDOW….LOL 5. rspca leaders…..tick.(the ones who hide there errors behind anyone involved in the greyhound world….) 6. KEVIN RUDD….tick,tick. 7.hang on its coming. settle down. 7. steve jobs….tick 8. wayne carey…..tick 9. dermott brererton….tick,tick,tick 10.MIKE BAIRD………….steady up now,not enough room for more than a couple of tick,ticks 11. HUGH????? aw, that was below the belt a tad. but… Read more »
http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/salim-mehajers-rant-chilling-for-domestic-violence-victims/news-story/f87113faa3ea98e9a85bbc248a156e77
this is what a HATED COUNCILLOR reacts like when discovering he is hated.
MIKE BAIRD……..you watch this son. you are a HATED premier.
Hugh_ BJoe Deborah555 you are sure it happens hugh?
wher you been son. dining with SINGER?
Hugh_ You have already stated in a previous post that you are a member of the animal justice party. We are assuming nothing.
Hugh_ PS You have also stated that you work in animal experimentation. So it is okay to experiment with animals but not to race them?
Nothing against my horse friends as I like horse racing , but Where do all the slow horses owned by Ray Williams MP and his family go ?
When you put together a coherent argument I’ll respond seriously.
If that’s what he’s going off then it’s a stupid comment because AJP is a political party, not an animal shelter or rehoming group. I donate money to groups that do this, including ones that specifically pick up the mess of the greyhound industry.
I personally do research on insects, not vertebrates. We could have a serious discussion about the ethics of animal experimentation if you want, but I doubt you’re interested, you’re just looking for ammunition for fuel your next argumentum ad hominem.
Hugh_ Motives are the impetus for actions, Mungbean. Stop playing semantics with convo. It’s not a game of chess or a child’s game. Grow up. You are one of the most devious and deceitful green sloths I have seen. You came on here quite a while ago and pretended to be neutral somewhat and with an open mind. Although I don’t get on here often, I’ve seen enough of your mind games and lies to see the jellyfish you are. Your condescending attitude, holier than thou hypocritical falsehood, and your arrogance makes you small. You have the audacity to fully… Read more »
Hugh_
argumentum ad hominem. Are you trying to show everyone on this thread how clever you are Hughie you pretentious twit. Can’t you just say that she might want to continue her debate with you on this issue.
Hugh_ gutless are we hugh me lad. cant have it your way all the time old cock.
come out of the uni back storeroom and face the confrontation. meeoowww
I have shown many reasons why activists are MEGOLAMANIACS…problem is though,they cant recognise it. so we have to very slowly show them. I don’t know if I have that much time,but denial is a start.
mike……….it is believed that RAY WILLIAMS was a bogon one horse trainer in the back blocks of new guinea……..no one has ever heard of him being a horse trainer. maybe another political furphy on the menu or trying to show he has some worth of knowledge. but ,no, no one has heard of him or his family involvement in horse training. what a fool.
http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=20865
I found this one for a WA trainer.but HARNESS HORSES.
now if I am correct,he was stated as saying he was riding his horses through the mountains of NSW and found MOUNDS OF DEAD CARCASSES………on a trotter?
MOUNDS?
interesting description for one driving a horse and sulky…..horse must have been one of those slow ones he eventually got rid of, as a thoroughbred would flash past any mound and you would be to busy hanging on to bother looking for mounds of dead greys…lol.
oh me,oh my.
It means to attack the character of the person your arguing with instead of focusing on their argument. The only reason I said it is because it’s a reference to previous debates Debora and I have had, she knows what it means, it wasn’t for anyone else’s benefit. Calm down tough guy.
The bill was passed after 3am in the morning on Wednesday, with several MPs voicing their distain for the legislation including Cootamundra MP Katrina Hodgkinson, one of the Nationals who crossed the floor. “I have been threatened for expressing my views by some who have served in this place for periods far less than me,” she said. “So be it. After 17 years I will happily stand by my reasoning. To serve in Parliament members must have some guiding principles that are innate and not instructed. “If the process was different I am certain so too would be the outcome, an… Read more »
SOCIETAL….relates to society,or social relations/change. aaahhhh yes, social acceptance,generally used in situations where,say,one group of social buffoons decide what another group is doing ,is UN/SOCIETAL….we cannot accept this,so we ned to re-adjust that group and have them conform to us MEGLOMANIACS ways. we must get the job done at any cost. even if we ruin SOCIETAL and parts of it at least. so let’s pick on….dog racing and its social disrespect. yep,that’s what we will do. have nothing else to do,so lets go. so DRUGS/MASS MURDER/WIFE BASJHING/PAEDOPHILIA/DESTRUCTION OF HOMES/WARS/CHINESE INVASION OF OUR BUSINESSES/TAKING OF OUR PRIME LANDS/…..one need not go… Read more »
Hugh_ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain_in_animals
just for you Hughie me lad.
now,let me guess which way your argument will go?
do insects feel pain or not?
lets see if I am right….I say they do. what says yee old boy?
Is there a particular part of that Wikipedia page you wish to draw my attention to?
You’d have to define what you mean by “feel pain”. Pain is only one welfare consideration, and it depends on how you are defining “pain”.
Even a single celled organism has a response to damage. What matters is sentience.
So what are you actually asking?
Have you read any of the comparative neurophysiology and neuroanatomy literature?
Hugh_ Deborah555 Hugh I realise this is part of your ” helpful suggestions” on what greyhound trainers can do now but it would only be a matter of time and some wack job would start objecting about the cruelty of it all in the hope of feeling powerful, telling other people what to do and getting a seat in parliament. Yes I can see it now Lynny sending off idealist young people to film a cockroach in it’s death throes after some cruel cockroach trainer sprayed it with insecticide because it could not run fast enough or “blunt trauma” when some… Read more »
Todman I don’t think many greyhound people voted for Baird.
Todman I think Baird and Grant caused this – they would have justified their actions in any devious or dishonest way they could to get Wentworth Park and the gay school agenda passed or are the 7 maggots national party members you are talking about. If you are referring to fellow dog trainers I think they were just made scapegoats and if it wasn’t them they would have fabricated evidence against some one else.