Injured greyhound trainer ordered to repay $40,000 compensation in South Australia

A greyhound trainer in South Australia, who suffered serious injuries after being struck by a 28-kilogram mechanical lure, has been ordered to return $40,000 in compensation. The incident occurred in September 2022 when the trainer used an unauthorized shortcut, placing him in the path of the lure traveling at approximately 70 kilometers per hour.

The trainer sustained fractures, broken teeth, and mouth lacerations, requiring hospitalization and two surgeries. The SA Employment Tribunal had previously awarded the compensation after Safework SA successfully prosecuted Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) for failing to conduct an adequate risk assessment.

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There was no evidence before the court in relation to the quantum of [the trainer's] loss and expense. No representations were made on the issue of compensation. In the absence of those things, the court did not have a proper basis on which to award compensation.

However, GRSA appealed the decision. In a subsequent ruling, the tribunal determined that the initial compensation award lacked a proper legal foundation. It stated that neither the injured trainer nor Safework SA had formally submitted a case for compensation as required by the Sentencing Act. The tribunal noted there was insufficient evidence presented regarding the trainer's losses and expenses.

In related proceedings, the tribunal also reduced GRSA's fine from $255,000 to $180,000, acknowledging the organization's early guilty plea. Despite the conviction against GRSA being upheld, the tribunal has ordered Safework SA to cover GRSA's legal fees.

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had not undertaken an adequate risk assessment