The Goulburn MP, after Premier Mike Baird’s decision on Tuesday to reverse the industry racing ban early next year, says that she hopes to rebuild the faith of Yass greyhound trainer Neil Stains.  

“I feel like I can look him in the face now,” she told the Tribune. “I’m looking forward to looking the industry in the face and saying that I’m sorry for the mistake.”

Ms Goward who supported Mr Baird’s initial move, this week applauded the reversal. 

“As a member of Cabinet I support whatever decision is made but I’m extremely happy with this decision,” she said.

“We got it wrong. I’ve talked to a lot of greyhound breeders and people in the industry who said we breached a principle.”

The MP said as the party of personal freedom, the ban had been a dramatic move. While she had misgivings she felt the animal welfare concerns were “overwhelming.”

Nevertheless, the community had made it quite clear the industry should have been given another go and this would now occur through re-regulation.

Asked whether she had properly represented her electorate’s view, Ms Goward said it was a collective government decision, not one she had led.

She argued it was better to be ‘in the tent’ effecting change than outside.

Residents around the Yass Valley have taken to social media in search of whether Baird’s backflip would also include one for MP Katrina Hodgkinson, who was sacked via Press release for crossing the floor over the ban. 

“I am greatly relieved by the decision, which gives a second chance to the greyhound racing industry – an industry that is responsible for thousands of jobs and is the livelihood of many small business owners across the State,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“A new, strict focus on animal welfare is to be in force, and a greyhound industry reform panel will oversee a new governance structure to ensure best practice across greyhound racing in New South Wales.”

“I’m sure people involved in the agriculture industry across regional New South Wales will also be very pleased with today’s sensible result.”