Industry Reform Inspector Appointed In SA

A highly experienced racing integrity administrator has been appointed as South Australia's first Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector.

Victoria's Inaugural Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna, who was also responsible for Victoria's 2015 inquiry into live baiting, has taken on the newly created role.

Perna has been commissioned to oversee Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) integrity operations after recommendations from former Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton to ensure the industry “modernises its practices in line with community expectations”.

Ashton conducted an independent inquiry into the governance of the industry last year and made 86 recommendations while suggesting GRSA hadn't done enough to enforce its own welfare policy.

SA's Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Katrine Hildyard said Perna's appointment to the role was vital for the industry due to his exemplary integrity and leadership record within the racing industry.

"Mr Perna's extensive experience in and passion for integrity and ethics in sport and racing will be vital as the industry undertakes its process of reform and evolves in line with society expectations," Hildyard said.

“The implementation of the reforms will be carefully overseen by Mr Perna, with Greyhound Racing South Australia clearly expected to deliver the changes.

“A person of this calibre, with this background in integrity, is an indication of how seriously we are taking the need for this reform.”

Mr Perna will take up the role in the coming months.

Last year, Premier Peter Malinauskas said, after two years, the matter will be reviewed by government and a decision made on whether the industry should continue.

“This government wants to see the greyhound racing industry survive in South Australia – but only if it cleans up its act,” he said.