A former police officer with five decades of experience fighting crime and corruption has been appointed as the Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector (GIRI).
Sal Perna was Victoria’s inaugural Racing Integrity Commissioner in 2010 and provided independent oversight of integrity in that state’s multi-billion-dollar racing industry, completing his tenure in March 2021.
In this role, Mr Perna was responsible for a 2015 inquiry into live baiting in greyhound racing in Victoria.
Mr Perna is currently an Independent Director of the International Tennis Integrity Agency, a panel member of the National Sports Tribunal and a board member of both the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Independent Ethics Board and the National Basketball League’s Advisory Board.
As GIRI, Mr Perna will oversee Greyhound Racing South Australia’s actions in response to the recommendations made by former Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton in the Independent Inquiry into the Governance of the Greyhound Racing Industry, completed in December 2023.
The recommendations include significant animal welfare, integrity and administrative reforms.
Mr Perna will commence in the role in the coming months, with the State Government considering legislation to support Mr Perna’s powers as GIRI to ensure he is able to fulfil his role without hindrance.
He will regularly report to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, with a final report due two years after his term officially commences.
Mr Perna said racing industries needed to operate with integrity, and that there was “always room for improvement”.
“I am pleased to take on the role of Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector and look forward to working with Greyhound Racing SA as they implement the changes recommended by Mr Ashton, providing a new future for the sport,” Mr Perna said.
“Integrity is critical to success in racing. Without integrity, the industry’s reputation is damaged, people won’t bet, and stakeholders lose confidence.
“It also goes without saying that the welfare of greyhounds must be a priority, not just their racing ability.”
