Transitional board appointed for Greyhound Racing Victoria

Victorian Minister for Racing Denis Napthine has announced the appointment of a transitional board for Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) to be lead by current Chairman Peter Caillard.

Dr Napthine said that the decision followed the recent report by the Victorian Ombudsman which raised serious issues regarding governance, integrity and probity at GRV and provided a series of recommendations to fix the problems all accepted by the Victorian Coalition Government and by GRV.

Dr Napthine explained "following the report, I made the decision to reconstitute the board to help provide a fresh start to Greyhound Racing Victoria and help restore confidence in the organisation amongst industry participants.

"The transitional Board will have a maximum term of three months while expressions of interest are sought for future board membership.

"Advertisements for these expressions of interest will begin this weekend with applications closing on 15th August 2012."

Dr Napthine said the transitional Board included Caillard along with new Board members, Jenni Coustley, Geoff Miles, Stephen Silk and Denis Hall.

The new members bring with them a range of experience including greyhound racing, public body governance, integrity development, business and marketing.

The Minister added "I am delighted that Mr Caillard has agreed to remain at the helm, and that he will be able to complete the program of review and actions to improve GRV's compliance with statutory obligations that he has already begun, as acknowledged by the Ombudsman in his report.

"The Ombudsman's report noted that cultural and structural change is already underway at GRV and I will be working with the Office of Racing and Gaming and Greyhound Racing Victoria to ensure the recommendations of the report are implemented."

Dr Napthine said greyhound racing in Victoria is an important part of the state's economy contributing more than $200 million in economic benefits and providing more than 1,600 jobs.

He concluded "while I recognise the significant growth in the industry over recent years, I'm also determined that GRV adheres to the highest standards of governance, integrity and probity."

New GRV Chief Executive Adam Wallish will be taking up his post on 16th July.

New transitional board members:

• Jenni Coustley is a former President of the Horsham Greyhound Racing Club and regional banking manager;
• Stephen Silk has extensive racing industry and marketing experience including at the Victorian Racing Club and as commercial manager for Black Caviar;
• Geoff Miles has enjoyed a long career as a senior sports administrator including roles with Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Renegades; and
• Denis Hall is a former senior executive with the Victorian Government with high-level governance credentials including supporting the Lewis Inquiry into integrity in Victorian racing.

10th March 2010 - GEELONG GREYHOUNDS GET $6.2 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT