NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has spoken with police after receiving threats over his stance on the government’s proposal to ban greyhound racing.
Speaking exclusively to Fairfax Media, Mr Marshall says despite the threats and vitriolic letters, he will vote with the government to outlaw dog racing by July 1, next year.
“It has become quite personal,” he said on Tuesday.
“I have received threats but I won’t backdown on my beliefs.”
Mr Marshall said he had spoken with local investigators but did not want the issue to sidetrack the debate – which has already seen two people charged after allegedly making threats against Nationals leader and Deputy Premier, Troy Grant.
“I have had to take some advice on the nature of those threats, but that hasn’t deterred me,” Mr Marshall said.
“It has concerned my family more than it’s concerned me.
“In this debate, I think its unfortunate that it has become personal.”
Parliament is expected to sit through Tuesday night with dozens of MPs from both sides expected to speak on the bill.
Mr Marshall confirmed he had received threats in his letterbox, and via email, as well as abusive and vitriolic messages on social media.
“A lot of the email letters and traffic, the vitriolic commentary on social media has largely come from people outside my electorate and largely outside this region,” he said.
“They are not local threats.
“When you enter politics, I understand in roles you’re going to cop some flak, but this has got personal.
“Receiving all of that has not changed my mind, I listen to people who want to have a discussion, I’m not receptive to people who hurl abuse or make things personal.”
Under the bill, racing will be outlawed from July 1, 2017, but breeding, training and owning greyhounds will continue for a number of years after that.
“I think there will be a number of MPs who abstain from both sides and there will be a couple who will cross the floor,” Mr Marshall said.
“But I am confident it will pass."
Fellow Nationals Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson will vote with the government for the ban, while Barwon MP Kevin Humphries says he will cross the floor.
But Mr Marshall said he could not turn a blind eye to the evidence he had discovered.
“I’m supporting the bill, not because of loyalty to a party or a leader, I’m supporting it because, as difficult as it is, I believe it is the right decision,” he said.
“Given the McHugh report, and what I have read you can’t ignore that, you can’t dismiss it.
“On all the evidence I have read, all the meetings I’ve had, all the documentation I’ve been able to get my hands on. This is a terrible situation, but it is the only viable option for the industry and that’s why I am supporting it.
“There are some systemic and significant issues there are hideous problems, that are animal welfare, the financial outlook of the industry, and all that has to be weighed up and I’ve done that.”
Mr Marshall will speak on the issue in parliament on Tuesday night and said he would not side with any other legislation which could impact other industries.
"I would not give my support to a piece of legislation that has negative ramifications or would see the closure of any primary production industries,” he said.
“Governments in this state have previously banned things like steeple chasing and cock fighting but that has not lead to the shutting down of primary production industries.
“It is about the greyhound industry and greyhound industry only.”
Mr Marshall also disputed claims by NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers' Association’s Geoff Rose who claimed the MP wouldn’t meet with the group.
“I’m more than happy to meet with him, I’ve always been happy to meet, my doors are always open, I have extended that invitation twice over social media like he has contacted me but he hasn’t been forthcoming,” he said.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
