Shadow Minister for Racing and Gaming Lachlan Hunter MLA has demanded the Cook Labor Government immediately clarify its position on the future of greyhound racing in Western Australia, following disturbing comments made in the Legislative Council by Labor MLC Hon Dan Caddy.
Mr Caddy described the greyhound industry as “abhorrent” and “clearly in its final days,” citing international jurisdictions that have moved to shut down what he labelled a “barbaric form of entertainment.”
“These comments are deeply concerning and raise serious questions about the true intentions of the Cook Labor Government,” Mr Hunter said.
“Is Labor genuinely committed to supporting greyhound racing and the jobs it provides across WA, or is it quietly laying the groundwork to shut the industry down?”
Mr Hunter said the remarks exposed a growing rift within the Labor Party, with repeated public assurances from the Government that it supports the racing industry now thrown into doubt by its Upper House Member.
“This is not just about a few off-the-cuff remarks in Parliament, this is a window into Labor’s internal attitude towards greyhound racing,” he said.
“Hundreds of hardworking Western Australians, many of them in regional communities, rely on this industry to put food on the table. They deserve better than mixed messages and backroom manoeuvring.”
Mr Hunter called on Racing and Gaming Minister Paul Papalia and Premier Roger Cook to provide immediate clarity on the Government’s position.
“If the Labor Party believes greyhound racing has no future in Western Australia, it should have the honesty and decency to say so publicly,” he said.
“Instead, we’re seeing a pattern of veiled hostility, bureaucratic delays, and ambiguous language. That’s not leadership, it’s cowardice.”
“The people of Western Australia deserve transparency. The industry deserves respect. And regional families deserve certainty.”
Mr Hunter reaffirmed the Oppositions strong support for greyhound racing, along with firm standards of animal welfare.
“We will always stand up for WA workers, families, and communities. We support high animal welfare standards, and we also support a fair go, and right now, the Cook Labor Government is failing to deliver one.”
