SHUTTING down the greyhound racing industry could cost the NSW government - and its taxpayers - billions in compensation, Barwon MP Kevin Humphries says.
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He's one of several Coalition politicians to break ranks, openly rejecting the government's plan to ban the sport from July next year.
Mr Humphries said he doesn't want to see taxpayer funds used to shut down an industry that could be improved.
"A compensation package could be extremely expensive and that's money at the expense of hospitals, roads and other projects," Mr Humphries said.
"It's got to be from other projects, because it won't come from the greyhound industry."
Shelling out for compensation was just one of the many unintended consequences the ban could have.
"The impact would have a greater affect in regional and rural areas, because we've got more tracks, more breeders and more owners," Mr Humphries said.
"Coonamble is a good example. Every year it holds the biggest greyhound meeting in Australia. It goes over three days and it's worth $1.5 million to the community every year. It's in October and I know people that are already gearing up for it."
Mr Humphries said he understood why the debate had emerged, but it was up to the government to choose the right way to respond to the issue.
He would rather see the government work to reform the industry, than regulate and monitor it like other industries.
If industry fails to make the necessary changes, despite the government's best efforts, then Mr Humphries would support a ban.
"Going for the ban straight up is a serious over-reach," he said.
"It annoys me, it seriously makes me cranky."
“I believe good governments get in there and help. If the standards haven't been met, then you come in with a heavy hand, but first you try to fix the problem."
Earlier this week, Liberal and National MP’s met in a special meeting to discuss the ban.
"The Premier [Mike Baird] and the Deputy Premier [Troy Grant] have their view,” Mr Humphries said.
"I'm also exercising my right to agree with it as a member of parliament and I will continue to articulate that.”
"It annoys me, it seriously makes me cranky."
- Member for Barwon, Kevin Humphries