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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Greyhound Racing SA Sacks Employees Over Alleged Wagering Activity

From ABC Australia · (21m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Greyhound Racing SA has terminated the employment of two staff members and accepted the resignation of another following an investigation into alleged wagering activity.
  • The investigation stemmed from a March audit of wagering accounts after five integrity team members were initially stood down.
  • While the investigation found no evidence of corruption such as race-fixing or animal exploitation, Greyhound Racing SA stated it is undergoing further review by an interstate integrity body.

Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) has taken decisive action, terminating the employment of two staff members and accepting the resignation of a third, in response to allegations of direct or indirect wagering activity. This move follows an investigation initiated after a March audit of wagering accounts, which had led to five members of the integrity team being initially stood down.

With specific regard to the employees whose services have been terminated, both are able to apply and be considered for other non-integrity related employment with GRSA.

— Greyhound Racing SAStatement from GRSA regarding the employment status of terminated staff.

The GRSA has been under significant pressure to improve its standards, particularly following an independent inquiry in 2023 that made 87 recommendations. The industry was given a two-year ultimatum to reform or risk being banned in the state, making these recent actions a critical step in demonstrating commitment to change.

As such, it is important that GRSA confirm that it has also undertaken an investigation into whether any of the wagering activity was connected to any form of corruption.

— Greyhound Racing SAGRSA statement addressing concerns about potential corruption linked to wagering activity.

While the GRSA's statement confirms that the investigation did not uncover any evidence of corruption, including race-fixing, race manipulation, or animal exploitation, it acknowledges the public speculation surrounding the matter. To ensure thoroughness and transparency, all findings are being further reviewed by an interstate integrity controlling body. This external review is crucial for rebuilding confidence within the industry and with the public.

There's been recommendations made for the industry to level up and meet community expectations. Through one of them being met we have picked up behaviour that is not considered appropriate.

— Rhiannon PearceSouth Australia's Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing commenting on the investigation.

South Australia's Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, Rhiannon Pearce, has urged the industry to take the outcome seriously, viewing the investigation as proof that the sector is actively trying to meet community expectations. She stressed that any misconduct will continue to be investigated thoroughly, sending a clear message that unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. The GRSA has also noted that the terminated employees are eligible to apply for non-integrity related positions, indicating a nuanced approach to personnel changes while maintaining the integrity of its oversight functions.

If there is bad behaviour occurring, I absolutely want it to get picked up.

— Rhiannon PearceMinister Pearce emphasizing the commitment to investigating all misconduct.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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