Key points:
- The inquiry, led by Acting Commissioner Lea Drake, has been extended to April 2025
- The scope of the inquiry now includes an expanded focus on GRNSW’s financial management
- Hearings will continue through December, with additional sessions planned
The timeframe for the Drake Inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has been extended until 30 April 2025. This extension was granted following a request from Acting Commissioner Lea Drake to the Minister for Gaming and Racing, David Harris.
The extension will allow more time to review substantial submissions and witness testimony as part of the inquiry into the governance and management of GRNSW.
The inquiry was originally scheduled to conclude in December 2024 but will now run longer to ensure a thorough investigation into the various issues raised, including the processes and financial management of GRNSW.
The hearings are expected to continue through December 2024, with additional dates for November and December to be confirmed.
The extension also comes with an expansion of the inquiry’s Terms of Reference. Minister Harris approved the request to include a stronger focus on the financial management of GRNSW, procurement, recruitment practices and conflicts of interest.
This change underscores the growing concerns regarding the governance of GRNSW and the management of potential conflicts within the organisation.
Good to know: The expansion of the inquiry's focus into GRNSW’s financial management adds a new dimension to the investigation. Originally centred around animal welfare and governance, the inquiry now looks closely at how the organisation handles its financial processes and manages conflicts of interest.
The inquiry, launched in August 2024, initially aimed to assess the welfare and care of greyhounds and scrutinise GRNSW’s management practices.
Public submissions have played a significant role, with stakeholders encouraged to participate in the process.
Public submissions for the inquiry were invited in September 2024, with hearings starting the same month. At that time, the inquiry also examined compliance issues, workplace culture and the effectiveness of GRNSW’s operating licence.
The next hearings are scheduled for mid-October 2024, with more planned throughout November and December. These hearings will be held at the Fair Work Commission in East Sydney.
