Labor voices opposition to plan during overnight debate, with leader Luke Foley accusing premier Mike Baird of a ‘cruel ambush’ of working-class people

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The controversial bill to ban greyhound racing in New South Wales has been passed in the state parliament by 49 votes to 30.

Debate continued overnight as Labor MPs voiced their opposition to the government’s plan to shut down the industry by next July.

The premier, Mike Baird, released a statement early on Wednesday confirming the bill had passed.

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“I am pleased the parliament has strongly supported the government’s decision, because it is the right one, even though it has been a difficult one,” Baird said.

The greyhound racing prohibition bill, which includes a one-year jail sentence and maximum $11,000 fine for anyone caught organising a race after the ban, was fast-tracked through parliament’s upper house last week.

The laws will also forbid people to export greyhounds to other states without the written consent of Greyhound Racing NSW before the ban takes effect.

Baird stood firm on his decision to end the sport since his announcement last month after a Special Commission of Inquiry report revealed widespread animal cruelty within the industry despite broad resistance and a supreme court challenge.

Some National MPs had also voiced their concerns.

The opposition leader, Luke Foley, led the charge in the debate with a two-hour speech in which he accused the premier of a “cruel ambush” of working-class people.

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“With this legislation he’s breaking the hearts of thousands of good men and women across this state,” Foley said.

“An entire industry should not be outlawed, declared illegal, unless all reasonable efforts have genuinely been made to regulate its antisocial features.”

The deputy premier and racing minister, Troy Grant, said in the statement he would now focus on getting the necessary support, including financial support, for those affected in communities. Grant has received death threats over the ban after supporting the premier’s decision.

The Greyhounds Transition Taskforce coordinator general, Dr John Keniry, will consult with industry members and find out what support they need for themselves and their dogs.

“We’re committed to leaving no one behind in the transition to an orderly and humane industry closure and we’ll announce this package, which will include financial assistance, in coming months,” Grant said.