Munro believes a win in by-election could save greyhound racing
ORANGE City Councillor Scott Munro has asked for the support of the local greyhound racing industry approaching the by-election in November, having left the National Party and re-branded himself as an independent in the wake of the NSW greyhound racing ban.
If he is to be successful on the second Saturday in November, it will mark the first occasion the seat of Orange has not been filled by a National Party member in over six decades.
Munro believes his public support for the greyhound industry damaged his chance against Nationals candidate Scott Barrett at the party's preselection last month.
However, he said his loss had nothing to do with leaving the party, instead calling into question the direction of the Nationals under the leadership of Troy Grant.
“The Baird and Grant Government has gone too far to the left for me, they have got tinges of green all over them at the moment,” Munro told Australian Racing Greyhound.
“It was a difficult decision for me to make because I am an old fashioned country-party type of person, but I made the decision because I want to be able to stick up for the dogs.”
Munro believed Grant's decision to back Baird's ban was selling out the interests of regional communities and the fundamental beliefs of the National Party.
“The decision to ban greyhound racing doesn't just contradict the core values of the Nationals Party, it goes completely against them,” Munro said.
“My decision to leave isn't a reflection on the National Party itself, it's about the leader.
“If we had a strong leader who stuck up for regional communities and told the Liberal Party that what they were planning to do wasn't going to happen because it goes against what we stand for as a party then we wouldn't be in this mess.
“It's not just an issue about the dogs, it's about the people – the farmers and those on the land – who are thinking ‘gee it's the greyhounds now, it's going to be my cattle next'.
“Where are they going to stop?”
Munro said a win in the by-election would have a major impact, claiming that it could even be enough to stop the ban.
“If I am elected as the Member of this area through the support of people who are passionate about the dogs and anti-amalgamation, it will send a powerful message to the Government.
“It's not going to change Government, this seat, because it is only a by-election, but it will change people's opinions.
“If the Nationals were to lose this seat after 65 years, I can guarantee that there would be a lot of discussion and more than likely a vote of no confidence in the Deputy Premier.
“If it gets to November 12 and I win I am telling you positively [the Nationals] will change their minds [on the greyhound ban].
“They would call for a change of policy on the dogs and try to win back the people before the next election.
“The industry would be saved.”
Munro says to achieve this goal he needs the support of all participants, not just those in the local area, and is hoping to have trainers representing him at all polling booths within the electorate.
He is also hoping any clubs and organisations in support of his endeavour can provide financial assistance to fund his campaign.
“I want to represent those people within the greyhound industry who do the right thing – they deserve representation because they are good people.
“It's just a matter of getting the support so I can fight.”
If I was there I would vote for him, start a new party ABN anyone but Nationals.
How can you trust these blokes who parade as a Independents, he has told us “If it gets to November 12 and he wins “Ia’m telling you POSITIVELY (THE NATIONALS ) will change the minds on the Greyhounds . Well Mr Munro if they where so concern about their seats they would have crossed the FLOOR BY NOW and that hasn’t happen and their Polling has suggested they will lose their seats Now if a election was held tomorrow.The Trouble is with Mr Munro wants us to support him when he’s running each / way ONE day A National next… Read more »
Todman I hope the Shooters Fishers & Farmers stand a candidate, up to date they have supported the Greyhound Participants 100% with the Fight against Liberal/ National Coalition band on Greyhound Racing NSW we must vote for the ones that support us, not the ones that are killing off Dogs.
Don’t you just love the line!”Ouote” If the National were to lose this seat after 65 years ,I can “guarantee” that there would be a lot of discussion and more likey a VOTE of No Confidence in the Deputy leader TROY GRANT he’s talking like a NAT not a independent ?
Three Nationals crossed the floor, One National, One Liberal,abstain from the vote and thirteen National Voted to Shut down Greyhound Racing here in NSW like all people effected by this, these Nationals will be looking for a new way of life in the coming years ! Good luck at the next election for The Australian Sport & Racing Party
BobWhitelaw BOB…. in short,why not have mass scratchings from now on in,just to stop the NSW government getting there share of turnover/or the majority of ewhat they would normally have got. they are restricting flow of normal trade as it is,so why not hit back at them where it hurts them and have mass scratchings at all dog venues. some will say I may as well get what I can from the industry,but you cannot have it both ways. with what power you have left,you may as well fight back the best way you can. I doubt the supreme court… Read more »
http://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/4045060/club-staving-off-closure/
tracks were discussed as possible closures. others were to be centers of excellence. is that right NEWSON? liar.
I agree,that some need to go. we have to adjust and develop better class tracks than some we have,as long as the centers of excellence tracks are positioned to do as least harm to those who will face closiure as far as travelling etc; goes.
has to happen. and again, look at straight racing. look real deep and hard into it.
dogem53 Given that you do not live in NSW why are you even suggesting closure of tracks here?
Thank you Chris, Katrina and Kevin the only people looking after the people who elected them and having the courage and foresight to do the right thing.
dogem53 As the saying goes when the going gets tough, the tough get going ! and we need to protect our assets our dogs and our tracks that Baird can not get his dirty little hands on ! I’am pleased to see Chris, Kartina, and the mighty man of principle Kevin Humphries have a conscience and voted that way.
Hi Scott are you going to put that in writing most in nsw don’t believe politicians at the moment
BobWhitelaw you got a lot to say well here one answer from a orange person! I’m a labour voter but labour got two chance of winning Orange and there both very bad Scott Munro maybe a nat in sheep clothing but he’s for greyhound, and racing . not following a party line and better still he’s a local that live here or about all his live, THE last really nat member we had from here was Gary West. I may still vote labour but Scott Munro will be second on my voting paper.
Yes James i do 15 years of bullshit from conservative politicians as long as there has been a coalition the NATS have been dragged around by the collar and lead by the LIBS and neglecting the bush, see James my business is about to go down the drain and sadly its a business that totality relies on Greyhound Racing . My business is also my residence in a little township just outside Cessnock with a population of around 300 residents with 3 locals employed on a causal full time basis ,so James i’am very angry with whats gone down with… Read more »
BobWhitelaw I’m not part of greyhound racing but family are and I’ve being around greyhounds all my 52 years but Scott Munro is a butcher has family in trotting and does not just follow someone else . He know if you let animal right in the door they will not stop still we are all vegan . I may still vote labour but that depends on who labour and Scott Munro gives their second vote to for now all I can really say is that greens, nat and lib will go last.