Allegations about GRNSW director over unauthorised exports of greyhounds

Media release | 4 May 2018

Minister for Racing Paul Toole has asked Greyhound Racing NSW board director Michael Eberand to respond by 9 May to serious misconduct allegations relating to an unauthorised greyhound export.

GRNSW has advised that Mr Eberand has today been charged with breaches of the GRNSW Greyhound Racing Rules relating to this unauthorised export.

GRNSW has also alleged that Mr Eberand has not disclosed any actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to an ongoing GRNSW inquiry or his alleged involvement with the greyhound exported or links to people found guilty of exporting greyhounds to countries that don’t comply with Australian animal welfare standards.

Mr Toole said the GRNSW Code of Conduct compels directors to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may compromise their position.

“I have written to Mr Eberand to request his urgent response to the Code of Conduct allegations by 9 May so that I can make a considered decision on whether to remove him from his position on the GRNSW board,” Mr Toole said.

“The NSW Government is strongly committed to ensuring the greyhound industry operates with the highest possible ethical standards and animal welfare controls.

“To meet these standards and ensure public confidence, people in senior leadership positions in the industry need to act with the utmost integrity.

“Through this process Mr Eberand will be afforded procedural fairness in relation to the various allegations. The charges against him in relation to the Greyhound Racing Rules have yet to be tested and will be the subject of a formal GRNSW hearing.

“Where the actions of GRNSW directors fall short of the high standards required of board members, the Government will take strong and swift action reflecting our zero tolerance approach to wrongdoing in the industry.”