The trio of pledges come in the wake of a Fairfax Media poll in the electorate which revealed more than 50 per cent of respondents – 546 people in total – rate Premier Mike Baird’s controversial ban the issue which will most influence who they vote for on November 12*.

The greyhound ban trumped all other issues in the poll, including forced amalgamations (103 votes), hunting legislation (95) and healthcare (83).

Labor’s Bernard Fitzsimon said the byelection was about more than the greyhound ban. 

“It’s the straw that broke the camel’s back. There will be no ban under Labor,” he said.

“It’s not a single issue, there’s the greyhound ban, forced mergers, cuts to TAFE, job losses, a $9 million school maintenance backlog. they add up to Baird Liberal government having neglected regional areas.

“I’m absolutely gratified that someone like Phil Donato from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers is prepared to stand up and support the sentiments we’ve been espousing all along.

“This is democracy at work, something we haven’t seen (in this seat) for 70 years.”

Mr Fitzsimon said in government Labor would work to repair damage not just to the greyhound racing industry but other services impacted by Coalition cuts.

“Why would you spend millions of dollars, with no mention of compensation, and shut down an industry when all you have to do is put some trickle funding into oversight mechanisms?” Mr Fitzsimon asked.

Janelle Bicknell said the Greens would vote to keep the ban but wanted to ensure a smooth transition for the people affected.

“Greyhound Racing NSW has failed to properly regulate and prosecute offenders of live baiting,” she said.

“We’ve seen a large wastage of greyhounds, some don’t see life past welping or racing.

“What the Greens do want to see is people who’s livelihoods are affected supported to ensure there is a smooth transition.”

Ms Bicknell said it was not fair to ban an industry and leave people on their own.

“We want to see support for the people and dogs affected and we don’t want people putting down greyhound unnecessarily,” she said.

“I’m probably the only candidate supporting the ban, they don’t want to run an industry thriving on inherent cruelty.”

Independent Scott Munro said over the years the industry had worked to breed the fastest dogs and a total ban was excessive.

“We’ve changed their whole physical makeup and appearance by breeding the fastest to the fastest,” he said.

“We’re taking that away from the animals and the owners.

“Unless you’ve driven or ridden a race horse, it’s very hard to understand the adrenaline when you go around the outside to win.

Mr Munro said there needed to be a high standard of animal welfare in the industry.

“We have very high standards in Australia and this is what we need to push into the dog industry,” he said.

“Greyhounds have been left behind, it’s up the government to regulate, (the industry) can’t self-regulate.”

Election favourite and Nationals candidate Scott Barrett said the legislation had already passed through state parliament and while not involved said, “I’m not going to be able to change that”.

Mr Barrett said the next problem was ensuring breeders and trainers were supported as the industry headed towards its closure.

He said he was committed to being at the table when the discussion turned to what support would be provided to breeders and trainers.

“Now it’s about getting results for the people who have been doing the right thing,” Mr Barrett said.

He said during his campaign and door-knocking greyhound racing was just one of the issues raised by voters.

“The people are worried about things which directly affect them, health, education, transport and roads,” Mr Barrett said.

“These are the things I can get results for.”

Phil Donato from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party said in he was elected he would work with cross-benchers and the Labor Party to repeal the legislation.

He said trainers and breeders were doing it tough and were disillusioned and worried about their future.

“They’ve been really screwed over, you don’t have to be a follower of racing to feel for these guys,” Mr Donato said.

After meeting trainers in Molong Mr Donato said it was clear that trainers and breeders cared deeply for their animals.

“If the racing is banned, their investment is worth nothing, if someone wants to buy the property … they’ll have problems selling these farms,” he said.

“These people really care for and work with their dogs.

“People are all about loyalty and a fair-go, and they (trainers and breeders) feel they’ve had nothing.

“They need someone to listen and push their barrow for them.”

*Poll findings reflect only the views of those who chose to vote.