PRESSURE is mounting on NSW Nationals leader Troy Grant from senior MPs and grassroots members who are furious at the fallout from the government’s veto on Greyhound racing across the state.
Mr Grant supported Premier Mike Baird’s ban, despite strong criticism from regional constituents worried about economic impacts in the bush and a farm sector nervous about animal welfare implications.
Media reports said there was party support for a new industry model, which would see dog racing continue in a reduced capacity with just 16 tracks, down from 34, including tighter regulations on welfare practices.
There was also speculation this week that Regional Development Minister John Barilaro and Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair had approached Mr Grant demanding a backdown on the ban. But Mr Blair cited cabinet’s decision, Mr Barilaro declined to comment, and Mr Grant said neither MP had approached him.
Speculation mounts over Mr Grant’s leadership, but an alternate candidate hasn’t put their hand up. The Nats party room is set to meet in two weeks time.
Earlier this week, Mr Grant wrote to party members criticising party disunity.
“It deeply saddens me that as a National, it isn’t as it should be an instinctive reaction to immediately defend the party and you cabinet, despite whatever private concerns we have individually,” Mr Grant said.
A Private Members’ Bill from Labor’s gaming and racing spokesman Michael Daley to reestablish dog racing flooms as a test for disgruntled Nats MPs
“We haven’t been formally approached by Nationals MPs, but we’re approached all the time in the corridors of Parliament with people on both the Liberal and National side of politics telling us that they’re worried about Mike Baird and Troy Grant leading them off the cliff,” Mr Daley said,
Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce weighed in on Tuesday, and reiterated the federal party’s support for the industry.
The Nats’ Scott Barrett, previously an adviser to Mr Blair, faces a tricky byelection in Orange on November 12. The party won on a margin of 22 per cent in 2015 but party members fear a damaging swing that may put the seat in jeopardy.
An industry transition taskforce headed by Dr John Keniry will report on compensation measures by mid-October. The ban on dog racing will take effect in July 2017.