Member for Cootamundra, Katrina Hodgkinson crossed the floor on Wednesday to vote against the greyhound legislation.
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Despite a concerted push back from the industry, greyhound racing will be banned in NSW from July 1 next year.
After several weeks of intense debate, the bill which bans the sport and appoints an administrator to wind up the industry passed the Legislative Assembly early on Wednesday morning.
Alongside several other National MPs who broke the ranks publicly opposing the ban, Ms Hodgkinson said she had made the very tough decision - not to vote with Labor but to oppose legislation.
She fears the decision has created thousands of full and part-time job losses, among others, for no net benefit, .
“I voted against the bill on behalf of those who are sick and depressed by this proposed ban,” Ms Hodgkinson said. “I did it for the many people who are involved in agriculture in my electorate who are concerned this legislation will undoubtedly be used as a precedent to abolish other existing industries.”
“When people have something involuntarily taken from them, when it’s their passion and the reason for getting out of bed in the morning, it is natural for them to get upset or depressed.”
Ms Hodgkinson says she is deeply concerned about the welfare of constituents involved in the greyhound industry.
“These people are not criminals and they deeply resent the way in which the advertising campaign that is being funded by the Government implies that they are being cruel to their beloved animals,” she said.
If people are feeling depressed or anxious call Lifeline on 13 11 14.