Clayton Barr Calls For Serious Action In NSW
HUNTER Valley politician Clayton Barr lit the fuse under GRNSW's Rhodes bunker following a scathing interview on community radio last month.
Barr, the incumbent state member for Cessnock, claimed a “blower vac” needed to be put through GRNSW's personnel and the ALP member did not back away from the controversial reference when ARG caught up with him last week.
“It's (NSW greyhound racing) a dysfunctional set-up, with so many bodies pulling in different directions,” Barr said.
“There's a decided lack of willingness by the GRNSW board to get involved and roll up the sleeves.
“I say, if you haven't got the time or the inkling, step aside and let somebody else have a go because the sport is on life support.”
Born in Cessnock, but with no links to greyhound racing heritage, Barr has developed a keen interest in the sport through his constitutes concerns and from the fallout following the Parliamentary Inquiry.
“Nobody wants to see the industry fall over but the danger signs are on red alert and they are just not financial concerns,” Barr added.
Barr has identified critical areas through the Parliamentary Inquiry submissions, where GRNSW has simply ‘dropped the ball', that desperately need to be addressed.
*Lack of vision and or planning
*Poor decision making
*Lack Of transparency
“It's David Copperfield-stuff – now you see it, now you don't. We need action, not lip service at the top,” Barr said.
“I'll continue to call for genuine change but unless the Greyhound Act is changed I have legitimate concerns about GRNSW taking this whole process seriously.”
ARG asked GRNSW for comment and received the following response from GRNSW Chairman Eve McGregor:
“I met with Clayton Barr this week. Based on those talks it appears many of his comments refer to the historical structure of the industry.
“I have encouraged Mr Barr to enter into constructive dialogue with GRNSW and to that end we intend to meet again soon.
“GRNSW is focused on working with the NSW Government on implementing the recommendations that were supported in full and in principle following the parliamentary inquiry. This includes improvements in the area of animal welfare, increasing the number of swabs undertaken and greater resources being put towards the re-homing of greyhounds.”
Well said Clayton, an eg. GRNSW have pissed off a lot of Country Clubs over the years to save money for what !! So they can waste it on administration and certainly no increase in prize money what a joke!!
Well said Clayton, an eg. GRNSW have pissed off a lot of Country Clubs over the years to save money for what !! So they can waste it on administration and certainly no increase in prize money what a joke!!