Greens spokesperson for animal welfare Senator Lee Rhiannon has commented on reports that the NSW ban on greyhounds is at risk of a constitutional challenge. Senator Rhiannon says that a national ban on greyhound racing is needed to secure the recent ban in NSW.

“The time for a nationwide ban on greyhound racing is now. Such a ban would nullify the effect of any constitutional challenge.

The Greens have welcomed news that Elder, one of the largest suppliers to the live export market, is pulling out of live cattle and sheep exports. 

Greens spokesperson for animal welfare Senator Lee Rhiannon said, “This is good news for animal welfare and good news for domestic meat processing. 

“The Greens are calling for a transition towards domestic meat processing, which would deliver new skilled and semi-skilled jobs in regional areas. 

Following the historic NSW decision to ban greyhound racing the Australian Greens have launched a national campaign to ban greyhound racing in all states and territories.   

Senator Lee Rhiannon joined ACT Greens spokesperson for animal welfare Caroline Le Couteur in Canberra to celebrate the victory and launch the national campaign. 

“The historic win in NSW has given great encouragement to us that we can win a nationwide ban,” said Senator Rhiannon. 

Today the Greens are launching a coordinated, national campaign to ban greyhound racing in every state and territory. 

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon today said the Productivity Commission’s recent draft report on the Regulation of Agriculture vindicates the Greens’ bill to establish an Independent Office of Animal Welfare.

“The Productivity Commission’s draft report into the Effectiveness of Farm Regulations recommends the Australian Government establishes an independent body to oversee animal welfare standards across Australia to help achieve this aim.

Australian Greens spokesperson for animal welfare Senator Lee Rhiannon said the ban on greyhound racing announced by the NSW Government today should be replicated across the country. 

“The Baird government has announced that greyhound racing will be banned in NSW after the special commission of inquiry found evidence of systemic animal abuse and cruelty, including live baiting and mass slaughter of greyhounds. The inquiry noted that the industry was not capable of reforming in the short or medium term.