South Australia preserves greyhound racing under new integrity oversight

South Australia will allow greyhound racing to continue, accepting an independent inspector’s finding that two years of reform had improved the industry enough for racing to continue.

The State Government also accepted Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector Sal Perna AM’s recommendation for greater oversight of welfare and integrity matters. It will establish an independent integrity body, with supporting legislation due to enter State Parliament in 2027.

Perna’s final report covered the reform period from July 8, 2024 to July 7, 2026. Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) completed 73 of the 78 recommendations for which it was accountable, a completion rate of 93.5 per cent.

Outstanding recommendations will be monitored through the chief executive of the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing while the new oversight arrangements are developed.

Greyhounds Australasia (GA) welcomed both the continuation decision and the plan for independent integrity oversight.

“This is a positive outcome for greyhound racing in South Australia and across the nation. Credit belongs to SA’s greyhound community and the leadership of GRSA, who together have delivered genuine reform over the past two years,” GA chief executive Simon Stout said.

GA said its board and members would support GRSA as it continued its welfare and integrity work. The organisation also plans to work with the Government, the new integrity body and local participants.

“The industry has earned the right to continue, though we recognise that social licence is built every day and the good work must continue,” Stout said.