Report
RECOMMENDATIONS
The CEO MESSAGE FROM
At the outset, I acknowledge the extensive work that has been done by Greyhound Racing New South Wales in substantial, sustainable, and innovative operational practices, including welfare, governance, risk, and compliance.
Being close to 100 years of operation, this steadfast achievement has been built on listening and learning. Reports such as the Ashton Report provide us with welcome insight and critique of areas that are working effectively and areas of improvement. Our commitment being, to ensure what we do, we do well.
By integrating these recommendations into our priorities, including track and facility upgrades and a sustainable welfare funding model, we demonstrate accountability and respect for the trust our stakeholders have placed in us.
Our collaborative approach, engaging with participants, clubs, and communities, ensures that the Ashton Report’s recommendations are actioned effectively to support safe racing and successful transitions for greyhounds into pet life.
It is always our hope, that the reputation of Greyhound Racing New South Wales is recognised as a sporting body that cares and is invested in our people, pups, participants and the wider community.
Our response in this report highlights Greyhound Racing New South Wales’ progressive approach to advice, with the adoption and implementation of various initiatives. I am personally hopeful your assessment will recognise the sound improvements that have been built on secure foundations. This report and our response to it, continues to reflect our commitment to a professional, positive and healthy future of our sport.
The organisation continues its quest for operational excellence, embedding and reinforcing initiatives and practices that operate for the long-term.
We trust that this demonstrates our dedication to being a leading world-class Principal Racing Authority responsible for a thriving, inclusive, transparent, and sustainable greyhound racing industry.
Steve Griffin GRNSW Chief Executive Officer
Summary EXECUTIVE
On 26 June 2024, Graham Ashton AM APM was engaged to conduct a review of aspects of greyhound welfare by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW), with a particular focus on the Greyhound as Pets Program (GaP).
On 11 July, 2024, after the commencement of the review, a further and broader review was announced by the Gaming and Racing Minister for New South Wales. An Acting Commissioner was appointed to the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) to conduct this Inquiry and report to the Minister on 13 December 2024.
The Terms of Reference provided by the Minister for this broader review encompass issues examined by this review and accordingly this review sought to conduct its work in a manner that is least likely to impact the work of the broader review. In fact, it was hoped that this review would assist the broader enquiry.
The overall findings of the review are that the welfare of greyhounds as managed by GRNSW only, were in the midst of significant reform. These issues considered however, are in much better condition overall than they were even 12 months ago. The report found reforms were underway in many areas of GRNSW’s responsibilities, including both track safety and ‘Greyhounds as Pets’ which are detailed in the report. The review was satisfied that senior staff at GRNSW have been active in addressing welfare and safety related issues. In almost all areas examined during the review, improvements can be identified.
That said, the report states there are a number of areas that require constant and focussed attention to ensure that they have sustained momentum. These include the continuing reforms at the GaP facility at Londonderry and the infrastructure improvements at the Wyee facility.
An examination of the United States adoption program was also the subject of attention through the review. It is a program that does provide a viable option for the re-homing of greyhounds in NSW, and if well managed, has scope for considerable growth. Further to note, the program was satisfactorily audited by the regulator.
A total of nine formal recommendations were made. These include racing policy, track safety, GaP, HAS and the USA adoption program.
It was believed that if continued attention was paid to reform and the implementation of the recommendations contained in this review, the issues reviewed as part of the scope of this review would continue to improve to the benefit of the industry and the community in general.
This document is evidence of progressive investment in processes, people, and systems, seeing a significant lift in governance, risk, compliance, and operational practices.
Values OUR
Our values guide and inform our decisions in the commitment towards better servicing our industry through supporting our people, pups and participants in continuous improvement.
These values have held true as we have listened and applied the learnings of the Ashton Report.
INTEGRITY COLLABORATION ACCOUNTABILITY RESPECT EXCELLENCE
Demonstrates a consistent and uncompromising commitment to the highest personal, and professional standards.
Values the importance to consistently establish and maintain credibility, engagement, and partnerships with a broad range of people.
Willingness to be held to account for decisions, performance, emotions, and behaviours.
Respectfully acknowledge differences and consistently accommodate various opinions in their decisionmaking and actions.
Motivated to deliver quality service and critique current practices with a critical lens, to seek innovative improvements with a positive and sustainable impact.
Objectives ASTON REPORT
Critique Rehoming Welfare Practices.
Assess performance and track effectiveness.
Identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS
Travel Subsidy and Injury Correlation
GRNSW should examine correlation between track injury rates and the commencement of the subsidy policy. If a correlation exists, GRNSW should consider paying the travel subsidy per trainer, rather than per Greyhound.
Frequency of Starts
GRNSW consider approaching GWIC with a view to GRNSW adopting West Australia local rule 39, regarding the frequency of starts.
Track Padding Testing
Testing be conducted with respect to the effectiveness of current track padding at NSW Greyhound track racing with remediation as required.
Effective Track Padding
That testing be conducted to determine the most effective type of padding for Greyhound racing tracks in NSW.
Lethality Index
It is recommended that track injury data including Track Lethality index be published in a readily accessible manner as to provide transparency, promote track safety, and ensure industry participants are properly informed.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) has made steady progress on implementing Recommendation 1 of the Ashton Report. Statistical analysis found no link or correlation between the subsidy and injuries. At the May 2025 Industry Summit, stakeholders strongly supported retaining the subsidy, highlighting its role in bolstering nominations and supporting local clubs. GRNSW is now exploring a shift to allocate subsidies per trainer rather than per greyhound. This proposed change, with potential savings redirected to the Greyhound Welfare Fund, remains under consultation, reflecting GRNSW’s commitment to balancing welfare improvements with industry needs.
In March 2025, GRNSW formally requested the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) to support an early adoption of the rule in NSW. GWIC’s preference is to wait for a nationwide implementation, with an anticipated delay until November 2025. GRNSW remains committed to pursuing this welfare-focused recommendation.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) is actively progressing Recommendation 3 of the Ashton Report. In April 2025, GRNSW ordered Head Injury Condition (HIC) Impact Meter test equipment from the Netherlands. By May 2025, equipment arrived, and GRNSW is now developing a training and testing program, with plans to prioritise tracks based on specific criteria to ensure thorough assessment and remediation where needed, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing track safety as required.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) has actively addressed Recommendation 4 of the Ashton Report. With reference to the research conducted by Dave Eager in 2022, titled “Impact Attenuation Characteristic of Greyhound Racing Track Padding for Injury Prevention,” it was concluded that the padding currently used by GRNSW provides adequate protection against impact demonstrating a continuing commitment to ensuring track safety through evidence-based solutions.
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has successfully implemented Recommendation 5 of the Ashton Report. In June 2025 GRNSW published its first Track Injury Performance Report. https://www. grnsw.com.au/about-us/reporting/track-injury-performance GRNSW will update this report on a quarterly basis.
recommendationsactions
RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS
Scenario Capability - GAP
GRNSW prioritise introduction of scenario capability at the GAP Londonderry site.
HAS Efficacy Review
GRNSW should conduct an efficacy audit of the HAS scheme to ensure it is both effective and delivering value for money for GRNSW.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) has successfully implemented Recommendation 6 of the Ashton Report, which prioritises scenario capability assessment and training at the GAP Londonderry site. By March 2025, this capability was introduced and embedded, further enhancing greyhound welfare training.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) is actively advancing Recommendation 7 of the Ashton Report. In April 2025, GRNSW conducted a comparative review of national schemes, identifying variations in coverage, and proposed refining HAS to focus solely on desexing and dental procedures, excluding vaccinations and heartworm testing. In May 2025, GRNSW presented these changes at the Industry Summit, outlining a plan to redirect approximately $500,000 annually in savings to the Greyhound Welfare Fund starting 1 July 2025, supporting enhanced welfare initiatives and medical needs for rehoming programmes, reflecting a commitment to sustainable welfare funding.
Greyhound Adoption Figures
GRNSW should collect and publish the number of greyhounds each year that are in adopted homes, or otherwise described as ‘on couches’.
USA Greyhound Adoption Program Audit
The USA greyhound adoption program should be the subject of an independently conducted transitioned audit.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) has successfully implemented Recommendation 8 of the Ashton Report. In April 2025, GRNSW adopted the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission’s rehoming definition. By May 2025, GRNSW confirmed these figures would be included in the 2025 Annual Report, marking the recommendation complete and demonstrating transparency in greyhound welfare outcomes.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) has addressed Recommendation 9 of the Ashton Report. In early 2025 BDO Australia completed a comprehensive review, evaluating 72 elements including welfare, health, and compliance with NSW’s Animal Welfare Code, with findings delivered on 29 January 2025. By April 2025, the audit was finalised, and in May 2025, GRNSW’s Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) team commenced work to implement the audit’s recommendations, reporting progress to GRNSW’s Finance Audit and Risk Committee, underscoring GRNSW’s commitment to transparent and high-standard rehoming practices.
By integrating these recommendations into our priorities, including track and facility upgrades and a sustainable welfare funding model, we demonstrate accountability and respect for the trust our stakeholders have placed in us.
Our collaborative approach, engaging with participants, clubs, and communities, ensures that the Ashton Report’s recommendations are actioned effectively to support safe racing and successful transitions for greyhounds into pet life.
Steve Griffin Chief Executive Officer
