Greyhound racing in NSW generates about 5 per cent of Tabcorp's total wagering turnover. Credit:File photo An integrity commissioner position was also announced as part of the reforms, which Ms Palaszczuk touted as the most immediate response to the concerns raised over the industry's practices. But the NSW announcement that it would ban the sport, after its own commission found "widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs", has led to criticism that Queensland did not do enough to address the issue. "The Greens agree with the findings of the Commission of Inquiry in New South Wales, there is a 'very real risk' that live baiting would continue," Queensland Greens spokesman Andrew Bartlett said in a statement. "New South Wales Premier Mike Baird understands this industry is built on animal cruelty.

Greens Queensland candidates Larissa Waters and Andrew Bartlett. Credit:Cameron Atfield "Annastacia Palaszczuk has had access to the same information and it is a failure of leadership for her not to have taken the same action. "She needs to explain why she thinks greyhound racing is any different here, or why dogs and other animals should suffer in Queensland but not New South Wales." How "tough" was it for NSW Premier Mike Baird to plan to shut down the greyhound racing industry? Credit:Peter Rae Animal Welfare League Queensland also asked Ms Palaszczuk to follow NSW's lead.

"Some of our staff cried when the news came through, it has meant so much to us," AWLQ CEO Denise Bradley said in a statement. "We would like to now see Queensland greyhounds afforded the same protection. "We're calling on the Queensland state government to follow this incredible animal welfare example set by the NSW Premier." Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace said the sport would continue north of NSW borders, but with "continued vigilance on animal welfare". "Queensland was the first state to act in response to greyhound live baiting cases last year," Ms Grace said in a statement.

"We acted immediately to stop the sickening abuse that was exposed, and put the greyhound industry on notice that it had to clean up its act. "Clearly, the greyhound industry is aware that it's on its last chance. "That's why we've established a new Queensland Racing Integrity Commission to oversee animal welfare across all three codes of racing. "This is the best-resourced racing integrity body in the country and it will not hesitate to punish anyone involved in animal cruelty." Ms Grace said Queensland's inquiry, led by Alan MacSporran, who now chairs the state's corruption watchdog, did not recommend a total ban on greyhound racing.

"Instead, it recommended a stronger integrity regime to ensure animal welfare's front and centre across all three racing codes," she said. "We're in the process of implementing all of MacSporran's recommendations, including a consistent program of monitoring dogs from birth to maturity to ensure that no animal will be able to disappear off the map. "I want to warn any racing industry participants that do the wrong thing that you will be caught, and you will be dealt with. "We'll continue to monitor the welfare of all racing animals, and take any appropriate action as required." Last year, Ms Palaszczuk said she was "appalled at the sickening allegations and undeniable photographic evidence" uncovered as part of the investigation into greyhound racing practices, which included live-baiting and the slaughter of dogs no longer useful to the industry.

"The allegations of animal cruelty, of widespread overbreeding and euthanasia of dogs, and in particular the allegations that live animals were used in the barbaric and repellent practice of live baiting, turned our stomachs and sent shivers down our spines," Ms Palaszczuk said at the time. "These are vile allegations. They are among the most upsetting we have ever witnessed against innocent animals and, damningly, against those people charged with the responsibility of caring for the animals at the centre of their industry. In many ways it taints this industry not only for alleged past practices but also into the future." The government met widespread opposition from its proposed reforms across the entire racing industry, which was passed, with amendments, earlier this year, from the small, but powerful Queensland racing industry and the LNP. The new regime has only just been put in place, with any review into its effectiveness sometime down the track.