We have partnered with the the Greyhound Welfare Initiative (GWI) in South Australia to compile this election scorecard for the 2026 South Australian state election.
GWI have written to political parties and candidates in South Australia, and asked them to provide a summary of their party’s policies on greyhound racing. This scorecard has been put together using these responses, as well as policies, statements and commitments that have been made by parties, MPs and candidates publicly or in the media.
South Australia has some of the most dangerous greyhound racing tracks in the country. In 2025, five greyhounds were killed on South Australian tracks, along with 1064 injuries. The Angle Park track, in the Croydon electorate, recorded the highest number of injuries of any track in the country in 2025.
Government tax settings are used to prop-up greyhound racing and help boost profits for gambling companies. The SA Government gathers a point-of-consumption tax every time someone places a bet in SA – but instead of using these funds for things people actually need, much of this tax goes back to the racing industry, to encourage more gambling.
The real winners are the big gambling companies who make huge profits from betting and gambling, contributing to problem gambling and gambling harm.
Position of Political Parties
South Australian Labor Party
Do not support banning greyhound racing in SA
South Australian Liberal Party
Do not support banning greyhound racing in SA
South Australian National Party
Do not support banning greyhound racing in SA
South Australian Greens
✓ Support banning greyhound racing in SA
Animal Justice Party
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
Position of Independents and Candidates
Tammy Franks
Independent MLC
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“Greyhound racing must be banned with a transition plan that prioritises the welfare of the animals.
The Ashton Review highlighted an appalling track record of horrible abuses, live baiting, doping scandals and overbreeding. To this day high injury and death rates demonstrate an industry that is fundamentally unwilling or simply incapable of meaningful reform.
In 2016 I called for an inquiry into greyhound racing, and I’ve twice introduced FOI legislation to bring transparency to the industry. Last year I introduced over a dozen amendments to the Greyhound Industry Reform Inspector (GIRI) Bill. While the Government opposed all my efforts, I eagerly await the GIRI’s final report in July and am committed to holding the Government to account to ensure the best possible outcomes for all greyhounds”.
Bronwyn Lewis
Independent Candidate for Finniss
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“I wish to state unequivocally that I do not support greyhound racing, nor do I support cruelty to animals or the gambling industry that underpins and sustains it.
The evidence of ongoing welfare failures, serious injuries, and systemic harm to animals demonstrates that the industry is fundamentally incompatible with modern community expectations regarding animal welfare. Public funding or financial support — whether direct or indirect — should not be provided to an activity that depends on the exploitation and suffering of animals for entertainment and wagering.
For these reasons, I believe it is time to phase out the greyhound racing industry in South Australia and transition toward more ethical and socially responsible forms of recreation and economic activity. Animal welfare and community wellbeing must take precedence over commercial and gambling interests.”
Alec Gargett
Independent Candidate for Waite
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“I support abolishing it [greyhound racing]”.
Lou Nicholson
Independent Candidate for Finniss
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“Animal welfare is very important to me. The findings of the 2023 Ashton Review and the reported injury rates at South Australian tracks are deeply concerning. Any industry involving animals must meet strong, enforceable welfare standards. Where it cannot, serious questions must be asked about its future.
I am also concerned about gambling harm in South Australia. State Government data shows gambling losses exceed $1 billion annually, which reflects the scale of gambling activity in our community and the broader social impact that comes with it.
For these reasons, I would naturally lean toward supporting a phase-out of greyhound racing. However, with the current two-year reform period concluding in July 2026, I believe it is important to carefully assess the outcomes of those reforms and whether meaningful, measurable welfare improvements have occurred before determining the final path forward. Any decision must be evidence-based and consider the practical implications of transition.”
Cody Scholes
Independent Candidate for Mount Gambier
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“The government should not be using public funds to prop up an industry that prays on those with gambling addiction and has a proven track record in violating animal welfare. And you can please quote me on that!
As a former paramedic, I am used to having my work covered from the public. Screens put up at accident sites, people moved away, closed doors at hospitals. The further we can pull the curtain back and expose the rotten mess of what’s going on inside – the better. I admire what you’re doing and working towards, and trust me – I owe nobody anything and have no reason to hold back. My campaign is entirely focused on real outcomes for people, not government jobs for mates, or simply more of the same. As you pointed out, the government collects massive revenue from gambling, and has whole departments that rely on people coming back again and again. Government is like a self licking ice-cream, glutenous with power yet will destroy everything.
In 2026, we should not be resorting to the cruel practices of greyhound racing to gain entertainment or pleasure. This isn’t to demonise those who are doing their best in the industry, it’s simply commentary on the fact that we should be doing better, more productive things with our time.”
Stephen Pallaras
Independent MLC Candidate
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“I have thought for a long time that the Greyhoud industry is cruel and should be phased out.”
Lionel Pengilley
Animal Justice Party MLC Candidate
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“The Animal Justice Party is opposed to greyhound racing and we advocate for the industry to be phased out. Greyhound racing puts profits before the well-being of greyhounds. Numerous dogs are killed or injured by this industry both on-track and off-track. Like many gambling industries, greyhound racing is further fuelled by losses from problem gambling, contributing to mental health issues.
This industry has no social licence to operate. It has been banned in the ACT and in many places overseas, and South Australia should be next.”
Christel Mex
Greens Candidate for Dunstan
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“As the Greens candidate for the seat of Dunstan, I totally support the Greens policy of banning Greyhound racing which is an industry based on cruelty.
Whilst some may justify the industry because greyhounds enjoy running, it is a well-known fact that these beautiful animals suffer with injuries, neglect and sometimes very cruel killing.
Gambling is a terrible addiction and humans should never, under any circumstances, use animals for human entertainment.”
Ian McBryde
Independent Candidate for Dunstan
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“You are correct that independents have an important role in holding government and in fact all political parties to account.
Also as an independent I have no political party or sponsorship that can influence my decisions. If elected I will hold a forum to discuss the matters you have raised.
As a principle however animal welfare is a measure of society – we have quite good animal welfare laws but the policing of those laws is done by a separate organisation from government which is seriously underfunded. I believe that if governments have an Act it should be properly funded. As a retired veterinarian I have personal strong views on animal cruelty that I believe most in our society would have.
I hope that goes some way to giving you something to send to your members.”
Kieran Snape
Independent Candidate for Adelaide
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“I do NOT support continuing government funding and support for greyhound racing in SA.
I DO support the immediate phase out of greyhound racing in SA – and will vote accordingly should I be elected to represent the people of Adelaide.
The Ashton Review made for horrific reading, highlighting appalling abuses, poor animal welfare outcomes, doping scandals, high rates of “wastage” and euthanasia and poor governance and integrity standards right across the sector. The welfare of greyhounds clearly comes second to the commercial imperatives of the industry.
Globally, Australia is one of only a handful of countries that still allows betting on dog racing to continue. It’s time we joined the rest of the world and stopped the commercial exploitation of animals for gambling profits. The only thing sure in greyhound racing is you bet – they die.”
Ahmed Azhar
SA Socialists Candidate for Croydon
✓ Supports banning greyhound racing in SA
“I do not support continued government funding and support for greyhound racing, and support efforts to phase out the industry entirely”.
Chris McDermott
Fair Go for Australia Candidate for Dunstan
Does not support banning greyhound racing in SA
“Little Heroes have a very long and mutually beneficial partnership with GRSA thru Greyhounds as Pets and I hope it continues for a long time.
Not disregarding your personal thoughts, I cant speak highly enough of the industry, the people that put their heart and soul into it and the benefits it provides so many Australians including the children and families we support.
There are negatives in every walk of life and GRSA are dealing very strongly with there’s . They do not hide , they get to work to make it the best it can be.
They have my full and unconditional support.”
Fraser Ellis
Independent Member for Narungga
❌ Does not support banning greyhound racing in SA
“Seeing as we don’t have a greyhound race track or, as far as I know, any trainers I do not have plans to progress a ban on greyhound racing.”
Dylan Cowley
National Party Candidate for Flinders
❌ Does not support banning greyhound racing in SA
“It is the SA Nationals stance that the racing industry can and should continue without the mistreatment and harm of animals, we are aware that the Greyhound industry has made a concerted effort to improve the treatment and wellbeing of the animals within their industry and given this do not see the need to end support at this time. The Nationals hold that the mistreatment of animals, not only in the racing industry, but in all industries should not be tolerated and must be dealt with appropriately wherever present.”
Ryan Harrison
Independent Candidate for Unley
? Position is unclear or conditional
“Animal welfare is an important issue and any industry involving animals must meet clear, enforceable and independently monitored standards.
I do not believe public funds should support any industry that cannot demonstrate consistently high welfare outcomes. Where public revenue is involved, there must be full transparency, strong oversight and clear performance benchmarks.
If those standards are not being met, government support should be reconsidered, and any transition would need to be managed responsibly to ensure workers and regional communities are not unfairly impacted.
Public funding should always reflect community expectations and ethical standards.”
Further independent members and candidates will be added as we receive their position.
Get involved with the Greyhound Welfare Initiative
The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds (CPG) and Greyhound Welfare Initiative (GWI) election scorecard is an advocacy tool designed to give voters a summary of the policies of political parties in the 2026 South Australian state election, regarding greyhound racing.
To prepare the scorecard, the Greyhound Welfare Initiative wrote to political parties asking for a summary of the party’s policies, with responses requested by mid-February 2026.
CPG and GWI took into consideration the responses to these requests we received, as well as public comments and statements online, voting patterns and policy announcements by parties.
CPG and GWI do not promote or oppose political parties or direct people on how to vote. CPG and GWI do not have any commercial, financial or political affiliation with any party. The scorecard is not an endorsement of any party or candidate. It’s an issue-based summary that shows how closely party policies and objectives align with our objectives for greyhound welfare. We encourage everyone to do their own research regarding the policies of political parties, when deciding their vote.
The Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds publicises greyhound welfare issues including track deaths and injuries across print media, radio, TV and social media. We highlight ongoing issues with greyhound racing by conducting research into the industry and publishing reports and whitepapers. We work with supportive law makers to to advocate for legislative changes and improvements for greyhound welfare.
GWI is a greyhound welfare advocacy group in South Australia, run by volunteers, sharing information and advocating for the welfare of greyhounds in the racing sector.
CPG and GWI does not promote or oppose political parties or direct people on how to vote.
Authorised by A. Pollard, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, PO Box 1270, Wangara, WA 6947