cover letter nsw government

Cover letter template

Explain to the employer the purpose of your letter, why you’re applying for the job, how you meet the job criteria, and how they can contact you for an interview.

Cover letters for job applications

[your street number and name] [your suburb, state and postcode]

[title and name of addressee] [his/her position title if known]

[organisation’s name] [organisation’s address]

Dear [insert Ms/Mr Xxx or Sir/Madam]

    Application for position of [name of role], Reference Number [if given]

OPENING PARAGRAPH(S): The purpose of this letter, and why them.

Paragraph 1 : start by referring to the position you’re applying for (or “I am applying for the above position” if formatted as above) and where you saw the advertisement or heard about the role.

Paragraph 2 : explain why you’re interested in the role and the organisation. In order to do this, you need to have thoroughly read the selection criteria relating to the role and researched the organisation using their website, news sites, industry contacts, and so forth. If you’re applying through a recruitment agency and don't know the name of the hiring organisation, you can research the industry instead. Try to avoid clichés and make your interest in the organisation appear personal and genuine. A brief summary of your key selling points can be included at this point to highlight your ‘organisational fit’.

eg, GreenBuild’s recent exhibit at the Sustainable Cities festival was of particular interest to me as I have a passion for sustainable development. My skills in residential design developed through my Bachelor of Design in Architecture, along with my thorough knowledge of sustainable building practices acquired over two years as a project officer with the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage, would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your mission to create Sydney’s greenest housing developments.

MIDDLE PARAGRAPHS: Why you?

Paragraph 3 : this is where you provide evidence as to how your qualifications, skills and experience meet the selection criteria for the position. You can draw evidence from a range of experiences if relevant, including academic studies, extracurricular activities, placements, volunteer roles and paid employment history, including casual work. This section where you address the selection criteria should be the longest section in your letter. It may be necessary to divide it into more than one paragraph.

eg, My strong time management skills have been developed through balancing part time work at Bob’s Café with volunteering commitments at my local community centre while meeting all assignment deadlines to maintain a distinction average in my studies.

FINAL PARAGRAPH: Wrap-up

Paragraph 4 : this is where you express the hoped-for outcome of your letter. End on a positive note and a call to further action. You may want to reiterate how your relevant strengths make you a suitable candidate for the role and mention your availability for interview. Refer to any attachments such as resume, transcript, application form, etc.

Yours sincerely [your name typed]

[Note: Use ‘Yours sincerely’ for letters beginning with ‘Dear plus Addressee’s Name’ and ‘Yours faithfully’ for letters beginning with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’]

Speculative cover letters

Speculative cover letters are used when you are proactively seeking opportunities directly with an employer, rather than responding to advertised vacancies. For speculative letters, follow the format above, with the following adjustments:

Opening paragraph : If you’ve been referred by a friend or colleague known to the recruiter, mention this. As no job has been advertised, state that you’re seeking employment opportunities in a particular occupational area or role.

Final paragraph : You may wish to include your intention to contact the employer on a particular day to follow up. Make sure that you keep your promise by noting the date in your diary and contacting the addressee on the mentioned date, as planned.

Need more cover letter tips?

How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter is your first introduction to a potential employer, so it needs to show that you’re a suitable candidate.

Addressing selection criteria

Selection criteria are the skills, knowledge, and experience required to successfully do the job.

How to write a resume

A clear, tailored and professional resume is essential for any job application. It should aim to convince an employer that your qualifications, work experience and skillset make you a strong match for the job.

Book a free 15-minute phone call with a Public Sector Career Coach

Cover letters for public service careers in australia.

Introduction

When it comes to applying for a government job, your cover letter can make or break your chances of landing the position. It is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on the hiring manager (which might be in HR or your new boss) and showcase your skills and qualifications. In this article, we will discuss how to write an effective cover letter for government jobs, including tips and best practices.

Components of Cover Letter

A cover letter typically includes the following components:

1.Contact Information

This includes your:

a. Full name, 

b. Address, 

c. Phone number,  

d. Email address, 

e. The date,

f. The contact information of the employer or hiring manager you are addressing.

2. Salutation

This is the greeting at the beginning of your letter. You should address the recipient by name if possible (if it’s not on the position description, see what you can find out via the Org Chart or LinkedIn), or, if absolutely necessary, use a generic greeting such as:

a. “Dear Hiring Manager” 

b. “To Whom It May Concern.”

3. Introduction

In the opening paragraph, you should briefly introduce yourself and state the position you are applying for. You might also mention how you learned about the job opening or why you are interested in the company.

The body of your letter should explain why you are a good fit for the job. You can highlight your relevant skills and experience, and provide specific examples of your accomplishments that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.

In the closing paragraph, you should express your enthusiasm for the job and thank the employer for considering your application. You might also include a sentence about following up on your application, such as “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my suitability with you further.”

6. Signature

End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Kind regards,” followed by your full name and signature.

Public Service Careers Coach, PS Careers Practice Manager

Guidance by Level

PSCareers – the experts in Australian State, Federal and Local Government recruitment – helping you get that next job!

The application process

Stage 1: online application.

In this stage you will be asked to provide information about your experience, interests, and education. You do not need to attach a resume or cover letter. Allow 2-3 hours to complete the entire application. 

We encourage to apply for the stream most relevant to your degree. Ensure you have reviewed the requirements for which the stream you are applying. If you would like to apply for more than one stream you will need to complete a separate application for each. 

T he application will also include:

• Motivational question:  this question will allow you to communicate your motivations, interests, and values, as well as anything else that might be useful for potential hiring managers and teams to know. This question is not an assessment.
• Situational questions:  you will be asked to respond to a series of situations that NSW Government graduates may encounter in the workplace. These questions will allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. You will be asked to select the most effective and appropriate response.
• Ability assessment:  after submitting your application, you will instantly receive an email inviting you to complete an assessment called Ravens Advanced Progressive Matrices. This is entirely non-verbal and has a 40-minute time limit. In this assessment, you will be presented with visual matrices consisting of different geometric patterns. For each item, you will be asked to figure out the underlying logic and rule behind the patterns and select the option that completes the pattern. You will need to complete this assessment within 72 hours of submitting your application, so please check your emails regularly and check your junk/spam folders.

STAGE 2: PRE-ASSESSMENT CENTRE ACTIVITIES

If you are successful in progressing to the second stage of the process, you will be notified via email.

At this stage, you will be asked to complete two different online assessments: an individual task and a Hogan Personality Inventory assessment.

Each of the streams have different tailored assessments at the assessment centre stage, with the exception of the personality assessment which is the same for all applicants.

You will also be invited to book into a virtual assessment centre. This will include a list of dates and times. Book in early to secure your preferred date.  

STAGE 3: VIRTUAL ASSESSMENT CENTRES

This is your chance to show us who you are and put your best foot forward!

In the assessment centre you will complete 2 activities: a structured interview and a group activity. Each activity runs for approximately 50 minutes and there is a short break in between. On the day, you will receive a briefing and be given the opportunity to ask questions to ensure you understand the requirements for each activity.

Assessment centres will be held in September. All assessment centres will be conducted virtually via the Top Score virtual assessment centre platform.

STAGE 4: SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE POOL

If you are successful in the recruitment process, we will contact you to confirm your position in the graduate pool. This means your application is being considered for a role in the 2025 graduate program and you may be contacted by one or more of the government agencies looking for graduates.

STAGE 5: OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT

Agencies may contact you to complete a reference check. If the referee reports are satisfactory, they may make you an offer. This offer will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks (citizen, visa, qualification, and criminal history). We’ll also provide your assessment results to your employing agency to support your development.

Now, for the exciting part - the start of your new career in NSW Government.

EXTRA SUPPORT 

We are a diverse and inclusive employer and we strive to reflect the community we serve through our workforce. We have extra information for Aboriginal candidates and candidates with disability to assist you in applying for the program.

Information for Aboriginal graduates

Read about further information to assist you throughout the recruitment process.

Information for graduates with disability

Information about adjustments throughout the recruitment process and how we can support you.

Two-Page Cover Letter Addressing the Statement of Duties

• Post author: theresumewriters
• Post published: January 12, 2019
• Post category: Australian Public Service / Cover Letters / Selection Criteria
• Post comments: 2 Comments

Two-page cover letter addressing the statement of duties/selection criteria

The format which has all but wholly replaced traditional selection criteria.

By Jacquie Liversidge

Navigate to:

How to write a 2-page cover letter that addresses government requirements.

More and more, there are content length limitations placed on selection criteria responses, and the majority of the time, these are two pages, or roughly 1500 words. 

This has been implemented by the Commonwealth and most state governments in response to enormous selection criteria responses being submitted for government roles, jam packed with empty content which doesn’t demonstrate an applicant’s capabilities.

When applicants write their selection criteria, there is a tendency to fill the selection criteria with ‘padding’, or useless material, to increase the length with the idea that more is better.

Length certainly isn’t everything. When it comes to selection criteria, you want to get your material out quickly and efficiently with the most impact and the lowest word count.

You want to use your audience’s limited time well.

And this is where directions for a two-page cover letter come in to play.

How to spot it when it applies

Either on the applicant guide or the initial link to the prospective role, there will be a section titled ‘How to Apply’. 

Read this section carefully and make sure you are aware of what the directions are.

How to interpret the position description

Click on the position description and look over what is listed therein.

On the position description for most government applications, you will usually find the following sections titled exactly like this, or very similarly:

• Position Objective
• Role context
• Responsibility
• Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Selection Criteria – in relation to the major duties)

Selection criteria can also be called Essential Requirements, Role Specific Requirements, Success Criteria. Nonetheless, the easiest way to spot these questions are by looking for dot-pointed content that looks a bit like this:

eg. – Demonstrated ability to provide consumer-centred care

– Exceptional communication skills and conflict resolution skills.

– Proven report writing capabilities.

Once we have a good idea of the important background, context, and scope,  and we’ve found the selection criteria we need to respond to, we can start on our content. Here’s a bunch of over ten detailed selection criteria examples to get you started.

Here’s an example of a two-page cover letter addressing the required sections Queensland Government.  Increasingly, these questions are values based, as they were below :

Two-page statement example

The structure, introduction: why you’re applying, what you’re offering, and why you’d be a great fit, the selection criteria question restated which is entirely optional. it’s also appropriate to skip this part, and move on to the next., our response, with the topic sentence (first sentence) repeating the question. (do this for all questions), a call to action (cta) statement ending the cover letter, professional sign-off, tips, tricks, and other information to note:.

If it’s a two-page cover letter for a government role, and it says nothing about addressing the requirements of the role, but there is selection criteria present,  you do still need to address the selection criteria.

Traditionally, where the position description/advertisement asks for responses to the selection criteria, you would develop your questions and title them with the question. This approach is exactly the same, but incorporates the cover letter element of an introduction statement, and it simply does not contain the selection criteria within the documents as headings.

The point of the exercise is  demonstrate  your capability to perform in the role via  examples of your ability to do that prior. The only part of the story which demonstrates  your capability, are the actions that you took.

Focus on the inner content

Save your space for the real content that will get you selected by keeping your introduction short and to the point, and your call-to-action statement at the end within 2 sentences.

Introduction example:  

I wish to submit my application for the position of Communications Officer as listed on the Tasmanian Government jobs website. I am confident I would be an ideal candidate for the position given my extensive experience within the corporate communications environment, my proven successes in a variety of roles and my strong interest in supporting strategic objectives through strong external communication.

Call-to-Action example:  

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the role of Communications Officer. Please do not hesitate to contact me on the details contained herein for further information or to arrange an interview.

Keep your content focused on the selection criteria. Keep it concise and make every word count.

And that’s all folks. 

Happy hunting!

You Might Also Like

Applying for australian government jobs – state by state, how to write selection criteria – everything you need to know, selection criteria is disappearing. is star dead, this post has 2 comments.

Pingback: Applying for Australian Government Jobs - State by State | The Resume Writers

Pingback: How to use STAR in selection criteria & cover letters | The Resume Writers

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Get a Quote

Book a 15 minute call/Teams meeting

The Resume Writers acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which our business operates. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.

• Book a Discovery Call
• Resume Writing
• Government Selection Criteria
• Get In Contact
• How It Works
• Terms, Conditions and Privacy Policy
• 1300 272 477
• 5/18 Elizabeth Street Hobart TAS 7000
• 903/50 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
• Level 8, 805/220 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
• 9/204 Alice St, Brisbane QLD 4000
• 202/37 Barrack St, Perth WA 6000
• 3/55 Gawler Place, Adelaide SA 5000
• [email protected]
• Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM

© All rights reserved

Discover more from The Resume Writers

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Get the Reddit app

A dusty corner on the internet where you can chew the fat about Australia and Australians.

NSW/APS Cover Letter explainer..so confused?

Hello! Everyone keeps on telling me to use STAR when writing a cover letter job application...but how lol. For example, this role description for the NSW Dept of Justice has 6 capabilities. So,I have to use STAR 6 times to cover those capabilities. This would make it long and confusing?

Why dont they just want a cover letter that shows how you're suitable based on the job requirements??????????? am I getting wrong info or lol they just make it hard.

• MyServiceNSW
• Manage account
• Logout of MyServiceNSW

Local Community Fund - Central-West Orana REZ

Key information

• Status: Open
• Grant amount: From $50,000 to $1,000,000
• Application opened: 15 July 2024
• Application closes: 23 September 2024, 4:00 pm

Program objective

The NSW Government has committed $15 million to the LCF through the Community and Employment Benefit Program (the Program), to support community organisations to provide programs, services or infrastructure that reflect local needs and deliver enduring benefits for local communities within the Central-West Orana REZ.

Please refer to this link for a copy of the full guidelines.

The LCF Objectives are to:

• Improve community amenity to meet identified social, cultural, environmental or recreational needs of the community;
• Increase community connection through improved access to programs or services including health, sport and recreation, art and cultural or tourism; and
• To boost resilience and innovation through community renewable energy and environmental improvement programs.

This program is administered by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Eligibility

Who can apply.

Eligible Applicants include:

• Incorporated not-for-profit community organisations;
• Local Aboriginal Land Councils;
• Incorporated Aboriginal community organisations (i.e. initiated by, controlled and operated by Aboriginal people and/or governed by a board or committee of Aboriginal people); and
• Local councils ( only if they are in partnership with or in support of a community project ); and
• Committees under section 355 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) must apply via the relevant council.

Applicants must provide evidence that they are an incorporated entity by providing either an Australian Business Number (ABN) or an Australian Company Number (ACN). Eligible organisations that are unincorporated must provide evidence that they are registered with NSW Fair Trading under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) or another Act.

Eligible Applicants must have or be able and willing to purchase at least $20 million public liability insurance.

Types of projects funded under this grant

In accordance with the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act (EII Act), eligible projects must deliver community benefits to the local community in the geographic area that forms the REZ to which the access scheme applies. A map of the geographic is available here .

Eligible projects must be aligned with the LCF Objectives, which have been designed to deliver the community purposes as defined by the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Regulation (EII Regulation).

Projects that are outside of the LCF eligibility criteria but still align with the with community and employment purposes (as defined by the EII Regulation) may be considered through the Legacy Infrastructure Fund .

Community Organisations are encouraged to speak to their Local Council about opportunities to partner on large scale infrastructure projects. Refer to the Grant Guidelines for examples of eligible projects.

Outcomes for projects funded under this grant

From 6 December 2024.

What costs you can apply for

Eligible project costs may include those associated with:

• Constructing new or upgrading existing local community amenity or community services infrastructure; and/or
• Delivery of community programs or services.

Applicants may include up to 25 per cent of the total project cost for contingency and up to 10 per cent of the total project cost for project management and administration. Design, including regulatory applications and approvals costs, must be listed as administration costs.

What costs you can't apply for

Ineligible costs include:

• Costs related to buying or upgrading non–fixed equipment, supplies or vehicles such as cars, trucks and vans, unless considered essential to the overall project delivery and are incidental costs to the project budget;
• Financing, including debt financing or rental costs;
• Purchase of land or buildings, unless considered essential to the overall project delivery;
• Costs relating to depreciation of plant and equipment beyond the life of the project;
• Operational expenditure, including but not limited to regular repairs and maintenance;
• Non-project related staff training and development costs;
• Ongoing/recurrent funding that is required beyond the stated timeframe of the project;
• Ongoing staff or operational costs beyond 3 years from project announcement for program or services, or any ongoing staff or operational costs for infrastructure projects;
• Costs relating to subsidising memberships for existing services; and/or
• Project management or contingency costs that exceed the eligibility requirements.

Types of projects not funded under this grant

Ineligible projects include those that:

• Are not submitted by an eligible entity;
• Are not being delivered within an eligible location;
• Are exclusively for planning activities (e.g. master planning or heritage studies);
• Are for the maintenance or construction of local roads or other ongoing core service infrastructure works that are the ordinary responsibility of council or other levels of government;
• Are seeking retrospective funding to cover any project component that is already complete before Applicants are informed of the funding decision outcome or funding is announced;
• Are for a general works package without specific scope, costs and location (e.g. ‘upgrading lighting at sports ovals’ without identifying the work required, number of sites or the locations);
• Are exclusively for marketing, branding, advertising or product promotion including tourism marketing;
• Are providing direct commercial and/or exclusive private benefit to an individual or business;
• Are not clearly providing benefits that will significantly contribute to the objectives of the LCF and/or the community purposes as set out in the EII Act or EII Regulation;
• Are the recipient of duplicate grant funding from another NSW or Australian Government grant program for the same project (excluding co-contribution arrangements); and/or
• Are solely for the maintenance of any infrastructure i.e. painting or beautification repairs without upgrading the functionality of the infrastructure.

What co-contributions are required

Financial co-contributions are not mandatory for a project to be eligible for funding, but may help support a project’s financial viability. Financial co-contributions could include funds provided by Eligible Applicants, as well as funding from other sources including other NSW or Australian Government funding programs.

Financial co-contributions within an application will not be considered relevant if they have not yet been secured.

What your application needs to include

Prepare your application with this checklist.

All applications must include a completed:

• Application Form;
• Project Management Plan ( template provided)*;
• Budget within the application form (with evidence of estimated costs)*;
• Landowner’s Consent (if applicable, template provided);
• Evidence of $20 million Public Liability Insurance (or willingness to secure); and
• Evidence of consultation and support for the project/s*

*The level of detail provided must be proportionate to the total grant value.

Address the eligibility criteria

Each applicant, as part of an application response, must confirm that they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants that do not address the eligibility criteria in full may be excluded from the application process at the department's discretion.

Address the assessment criteria

Community Support (40%)

The project must have demonstrated community support. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of consultation and support for the project, such as:

• Community Need: The project must be identified as a community need, evidenced through a community consultation process, council strategic plans, community precinct master plan or identified lack of similar services.
• Community Support: The project must have demonstrated community support, evidenced by letters of support, online surveys or other documented community engagement processes.

Alignment with LCF Objectives (30%)

The project must demonstrate how the anticipated community benefits will directly contribute to one or more of the LCF Objectives:

• Improved community amenity to meet identified social, cultural, environmental or recreational needs of the community;
• Greater community connection through improved access to programs or services including health, sport and recreation, art and cultural or tourism; and/or
• Boost resilience and innovation through community renewable energy and environmental improvement programs.

The project must demonstrate how it will make a positive contribution to community wellbeing and prosperity, evidenced by measurable metrics (i.e. number of user groups) and available alternative facilities and services.

The project must demonstrate how it will deliver long-term benefits to the community.

The project must demonstrate consideration of accessibility and inclusion measures through the design and/or delivery.

Deliverability and Affordability (30%)

The Applicant must provide a Project Management Plan that outlines project delivery within budget and timeframe requirements, with consideration of Development Approval (if required).

The Applicant must demonstrate access to the necessary capability and experience required for successful project delivery.

The Applicant must provide a detailed and realistic risk assessment.

The Applicant must provide a budget based on quotes or detailed estimates that represent value for money, including:

• Detailed estimates for combined project management and administration costs that do not exceed 10% of the total project cost; and
• Estimated costs for contingency that does not exceed a maximum of 25% of the total project cost.

The Applicant must outline the ongoing operation and/or maintenance plan for when the project is completed (where applicable).

Start the application

The LCF will have a single stage application process, with an Applicant required to submit a separate application form for each project. Support is available to Applicants to assist with the development of applications. Applicants should contact [email protected] if support is required.

Grant writing workshops will be held during the application open period to support applicants. Please refer to the EnergyCo webpage for relevant dates.

Applications must be submitted using the LCF online portal. Applications cannot be reopened or amended by the Applicant once the closing date has passed. Consideration or acceptance of late submissions will be at the sole discretion of the NSW Government.

Note: If you are a new applicant to SmartyGrants, you will need to register and create a password. If you are already registered, you can log in with your existing username and password.

After the application is submitted

Successful applications will be decided by: EnergyCo Chief Executive

Eligibility Assessment

All submitted applications will be assessed against the Eligibility Criteria identified in the Grant Guidelines . Where there is uncertainty or unintended outcomes arising from the eligibility requirements, the Grant Assessment Panel (the Panel) will take a discretionary approach that, in its opinion, aligns with the community and employment purposes as defined in the EII Regulation .

Final eligibility determinations will be made at the discretion of the Panel, based on advice and recommendations from the Program Assessment team. Any applications assessed as ineligible will not be considered for further assessment.

Merit Assessment

The Assessment Team, including EnergyCo, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and other NSW Government agencies, will assess eligible applications against the Assessment Criteria outlined in the Grant Guidelines. Applicants may be asked to provide additional information to assist in the assessment process.

EnergyCo will consult with a group of community representatives on the community support criteria. Community representatives with a conflict of interest (such as due to their involvement with any organisation applying for the fund) will be excluded from the process.

Subject matter experts and/or technical advisors may be consulted to assist in the assessment of projects. Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the process.

Merit Assessment Criteria

Eligible applications will be assessed against the following criteria, refer to grant guidelines for further details:

• Community support;
• Alignment with LCF Objectives; and
• Deliverability and affordability.

Anticipated assessment outcome date is From 30 September 2024

Support and contact

Please contact [email protected] or call 1300 679 673.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be viewed here .

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

• Our network

The Sydney Morning Herald

• Graphic content
• Greyhound racing

The drugs that make dogs’ bones shatter

By christopher harris and jordan baker, save articles for later.

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

Greyhounds are fed osteoporosis drugs illegally, which hardens their bones in a way that makes them more likely to break and shatter, while millions of dollars spent on trying to make racing tracks safer since 2017 have failed, a research paper by Greyhound Racing NSW’s former chief vet says.

The state government moved to head off mounting controversy over allegations of horrific animal cruelty within the greyhound racing industry by appointing Lea Drake to lead a review in her capacity as acting commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC).

Racing Minister David Harris announces the inquiry on Thursday. Credit: Nikki Short

NSW Racing Minister David Harris on Thursday announced that Drake, a Fair Work Commissioner with more than two decades’ experience, would examine the claims raised in an email written by outgoing chief veterinary officer Alexander Brittan and revealed by the Herald earlier this week.

The government has ruled out shutting down greyhound racing in NSW, as has been done in the ACT. Harris said the industry was capable of reform and said the inquiry’s focus would be making sure it employed best practices and had animal welfare as its main feature.

Former LECC commissioner Lea Drake.

“There is a number of initiatives they’ve put in place since that initial [2016] inquiry which has aimed to improve the industry. This is about ensuring that they stay focused and on task,” he said.

A source close to Greyhound Racing NSW, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they did not have authorisation to speak publicly, said the board had organised its own independent inquiry after it received the Brittan report.

It had secured the services – through verbal agreement, although not yet formal contract – of Michael McHugh, the former high court judge who undertook the 2016 Special Commission of Inquiry for former premier Mike Baird, which found the sport was beyond remedy. The Herald contacted McHugh for comment.

The person said McHugh was a sensible choice to run an inquiry because he knew the industry well, and said it could proceed with the agreement of the minister.

The Herald asked Harris if he was aware that McHugh had been approached and if he supported him leading an inquiry. A spokesman said: “The minister is focused on matters announced today.”

Harris has asked the board of Greyhound Racing NSW to show cause why it should not be dissolved on the grounds it breached its operating licence, which says it must disclose anything that brings the industry into disrepute immediately. It has until 5pm on Friday to respond.

The email from Brittan also alleged rehoming rates were inflated, dogs raced at unhealthy intensity were suffering a massive rise in injuries and most were then left to “live out their miserable post-racing lives in industrial kennels”.

GRNSW’s outgoing chief executive received Brittan’s document on June 14, and Harris was given a copy four days later. However, the source said the industry regulator believed putting the industry into administration would not be in its best interests as it would stall efforts to improve animal welfare.

Other documents tabled in NSW parliament on Thursday included a document titled “Track Safety Research Update” written by Brittan for GRNSW.

Brittan said despite $30 million spent on research and changes to physical track design, injury rates had increased, and had jumped tenfold with the introduction of a $60 subsidy per dog per race in 2022.

“This travel subsidy has had in my opinion, the greatest negative effect on race injury rates of any policy to date. It needs to be stopped or heavily amended immediately,” he wrote.

He said that it meant trainers were racing dogs who had little chance of winning but wanted the money. Under NSW rules, dogs were allowed to race every two days which he labelled cruel and susceptible to injury.

“It is physiologically impossible for a greyhound to recover in this period and racing at this barbaric frequency will only lead to physiological fatigue,” he wrote.

He said there was anecdotal evidence that Tildren – a human drug used to treat osteoporosis– was being used off label and illegally by trainers who believed it toughened up dogs’ bones.

“There is enough anecdotal evidence that this drug is being used off label and illegally within the industry that Greyhound Australasia are in the process of implementing a new rule that will formally classify this drug as a banned substance,” he said.

“[Whilst] it makes bones harder, it also has the unfortunate sequelae of making bones more brittle and thus more likely to shatter when put under heavy forces.”

He also raised the project of research to find better sand to use on tracks to prevent injury but said major universities did not wish to engage on any research with Greyhound Racing NSW.

Greyhound Racing NSW did not directly respond to questions about recovery periods, osteoporosis drugs or track design on Thursday. In a statement, it said it had appointed former Victorian Police commissioner Graham Ashton to conduct its own independent review and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

In the first three months of this year, a total of 1046 dogs, or 11 a day, suffered an injury before or after a race in NSW. Of those, 108, or the equivalent of one a day either died, or suffered a long bone fracture, a severe spinal, pelvic or skull injury, a major fracture dislocation, or an Achilles tendon rupture.

The inquiry will cover greyhound welfare and the care of greyhounds by GRNSW, including adoption and rehoming programs; GRNSW processes and management, including procurement and recruitment practices; reporting and accuracy in relation to greyhounds; management’s response to complaints or concerns about organisational and workplace culture and conduct.

The terms of reference have not yet been determined. It is not yet known if the inquiry will be held in public, with those details to be determined by Drake once she is officially appointed to the role.

She is due to report back to the government on December 12.

• Animal rights
• State Parliament
• For subscribers

Most Viewed in National