We understand that the industry’s social licence depends on governments, welfare advocates and the community seeing that we can run a clean and humane industry, and they accept that it is our responsibility to demonstrate that.

Since the revelations, boards and CEOs have been replaced, or are in the process of being replaced, in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, although no past members were implicated in live baiting.

We know that the key to the future of a professional and accountable industry relies on us demonstrating to our governments, welfare advocates and the community that we will be transparent and unflinching in administering a humane industry that meets social expectations.

We are keenly aware that this is a beginning, not an end, and the benefits of real reform to the industry and community will be seen in months and years, not weeks. 

Much more must and will happen.

We know that many in the community will feel sceptical about our commitment to reform. 

That is understandable and legitimate.

The industry continues full investigations of any participants suspected of animal cruelty.

Already there has been 23 lifetime disqualifications in Queensland, with more likely there and in other states.

Other changes, directed at supporting improved animal welfare outcomes include:

■ Breeder incentive schemes have been drastically restructured or removed;

■ New industry rules allowing only synthetic materials for use as lures;

■ Significant increases in compliance resourcing;

■ Open partnering with police and the RSPCA in all states;

■ New mandatory trainer competency assessments in three states with formal accredited national training for all trainers and other participants currently being developed and planned for roll out in 2016.

■ Substantial investment in independent research and modelling to ensure decisions that aim to improve greyhound welfare and integrity outcomes are evidenced based; 

■ Open dialogue with all stakeholders to improve industry transparency and accountability

■ The introduction of drone monitoring in two states as part of an industry assurance and surveillance regime.

Greyhounds Australasia, together with GRNSW and all other member bodies, now have a national industry vision that puts animal welfare at the centre of everything we do.

We accept responsibility for eradicating unnecessary euthanasia of greyhounds and will see all leadership act in a manner that engenders community trust.