Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is seeking input from the greyhound racing industry about a proposal to establish a new consultative body for industry participants – the Industry Consultation Group (ICG).

GRV Chief Executive Alan Clayton said the organisation was establishing the new advisory group to formalise the consultation process between GRV and industry participants.

“The GRV Board is establishing the Industry Consultation Group (ICG) to strengthen relationships and improve consultation with stakeholders across the greyhound racing industry,” Mr Clayton said.

Member forums held earlier this year with the GRV Board identified that there was a need for GRV to improve information exchange with industry participants.

In addition, the Racing Integrity Commissioner and Chief Veterinary Officer reports into the greyhound racing industry, delivered earlier this year, highlighted the importance of GRV and the industry developing and implementing significant change in order to secure its future.

“Both reports required GRV to place a much stronger emphasis on animal welfare and integrity issues,” Mr Clayton said.

“Establishing the ICG is an important part of the industry’s change management process to ensure the future success and sustainability of the greyhound racing industry across Victoria,” Mr Clayton said.

GRV’s General Manager of Clubs and Membership Development, Craig Armstead, said the new advisory group would consider a wide range of issues and matters that were relevant to the industry.

“The ICG will provide advice to the GRV Board, through the GRV Chief Executive, who will chair the ICG,” Mr Armstead said.

The ICG will comprise of the following:

• Six Participant representatives, including Trainers, Breakers, Rearers, Breeders and Owners
• Two Club representatives.
• An independent and experienced greyhound vet.
• The Greyhound Owners Trainers and Breeders Association (GOTBA) Secretary.
• Two GRV officers: the Chief Executive and the General Manager – Clubs & Membership Development.

Mr Armstead said the ICG was expected to be established by December, 2015, and would meet every second month from the end of January, 2016.

“GRV will call for nominations from across the industry and issue the criteria used to select members of the ICG in November, 2015,” Mr Armstead said.

Registered Members will shortly receive an email from GRV with more information about the ICG and directions for providing feedback.

GRV’s proposed timeline to establish the ICG:

Feedback from industry stakeholders – due Wednesday 7 October, 2015

Criteria for selecting ICG members issued – November, 2015

Call for nominations for ICG members – November, 2015

ICG members selected – November/December, 2015

ICG composition announced – December, 2015

First Meeting of ICG – January, 2016