UPDATE 11/08 - The bill passed and managed to avoid attempts at amendment. 

The Labor opposition moved an amendment to stop the Government selling Crown land formerly used for greyhound racing, while the Greens tried to change the bill to preserve greyhound tracks so the industry could re-open in the future.

Both amendments failed, and the bill will now go to the NSW Lower House for debate.

 

ORIGINAL 10/08 - A bill to ban greyhound racing in New South Wales has been fast-tracked.

The legislation has been declared “urgent”, paving the way for immediate debate to speed up its chance at passing Parliament.

The move has outraged the Opposition, which says it is being forced to move a bill that no one has read.

“This bill was made available, one copy to the Opposition at 10 minutes to 11 today,” said Labor MP Peter Primrose.

“We did not see this bill, we have not had an opportunity to read it.”

The Government's Upper House leader Duncan Gay reiterated purpose of the greyhound racing ban, pointing to High Court findings about the “barbaric practices” of animal cruelty rife throughout the industry.

He outlined a few details of the proposed legislation, including an $11,000 fine for anyone found organising a greyhound race in NSW after the law took effect.

Details like the date for an end to greyhound breeding for racing, or a date by which trainers have to close their businesses, are not yet determined.

“The date of an end to greyhound breeding is open to consultation, with the industry, the RSPCA and the community,” Mr Gay said.

“We are very reluctant to announce a snap end to breeding because this would lead to more dogs being put down and would maximise the hardship on the industry.

“Allowing a staggered wind up for the industry will provide the best possible chance for greyhounds to continue on as pets with their owners following the cessation of racing , or to be re-homed or to be appropriately transferred interstate to race there.”

The bill authorises the appointment of an administrator to take over the functions of Greyhound Racing NSW and close down the industry.

It also rules out compensation from the state for losses from the enactment and operation of the legislation.