​Following the completion of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW in June 2016, Premier Mike Baird announced on 7 July 2016 that NSW will become the first Australian State to shut down greyhound racing. On 14 July 2016, the Government appointed Dr John Keniry AM as Coordinator General of the Greyhounds Transition Taskforce to guide the industry to a humane and orderly closure.

The announcement has resulted in a strong response from both supporters and opponents of the shut down.

This Issues Backgrounder provides an overview of the greyhound racing industry in NSW and summarises key elements of the final report of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW.

It sets out selected Government, Parliamentary and political party material on greyhound racing, as well as references to relevant stakeholder, academic and media commentary on the issue.