In July this year, Premier Mike Baird announced a ban on greyhound racing which would officially commence in July 2017. The Greyhound Racing Prohibition Bill 2016 passed in Parliament with 49 votes to 30 after it was found that approximately 68, 000 ‘uncompetitive’ dogs were put to death in the last decade and one in five trainers used live animal baits.
Whilst it was evident that not everybody was pleased by the decision, especially Opposition leader Luke Foley, Baird’s ‘backflip’ on the decision has created a new barrel of problems.
Foley has undoubtedly voiced a concern that many people are beginning to consider; who will have faith in the Government now? An argument can be made to suggest that Baird’s credibility will be questioned and his opinions as Premier, subject to change.
However, Baird has taken a different perspective on the issue by arguing that his decision to reverse the ban demonstrates his and the Government’s room for human error. Baird commented, “They will criticise me for getting it wrong, that’s human. I mean, I’m human. Surely no one is infallible, no Governments are infallible”.
Baird has refuted the claims that suggest he was listening to a vocal minority when making this decision. He has instead argued that the community was alarmed by the statistics but found that the industry should be allowed a second chance.
Despite his alleged ‘good’ intentions, this decision made a mockery of the Government and clearly spelt out the shortcomings of our politicians in power. The reversal has demonstrated to the public that their representatives can change legislation if enough pressure is placed upon them. Further, it has revealed that the Government was lax in their planning and strategy in regards to the Greyhound Racing Bill which has left a large majority of the public disappointed and confused.
Yes, Mr Baird, no one is infallible, but proclaiming to the world that the Australian Government is fallible does not leave a lot of room for public confidence, now does it?
If you have any questions about how the greyhound backflip will affect you, or wish to know more about how Legislation is enacted, please contact us on 02 8917 8700.