The Queensland government has launched a commission of inquiry into the greyhound industry, with increased powers for investigators.
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Queensland minister for Sport and Racing, Bill Byrne announced a review of the racing industry last month and upgraded that to a commission of inquiry after receiving the results of an interim report on Friday
Alan MacSporran QC, who was leading the initial probe, has been appointed to lead the commission and will be allowed to summon witnesses to give evidence or provided documents as part of the investigation.
"The commission of inquiry will give Mr MacSporran wider powers of inquiry," Mr Byrne said.
The Palaszczuk government is determined to do all it can to secure the integrity of the sport in Queensland.
"Allegations of animal cruelty are of significant public interest.
"This decision gives Mr MacSporran the powers he requires to complete the investigation to the extent expected by the Queensland public."
The move comes on the same day that high profile trainer Tom Noble was refused bail in an Ipswich court, where he faced allegations of intimidating a witness as well as several charges of animal cruelty.
Noble is one of six trainers who has been banned for life from the greyhound industry since allegations of live baiting were aired on television in February.
Four trainers were charged with animal cruelty by the joint Queensland Police and RSPCA taskforce this week, taking the tally to 11 people charged.
Twenty-seven other trainers have been suspended pending the conclusion of investigations by the state body.
Representatives from the greyhound racing community recently met with Racing Queensland operations manager Declan Martschinke to discuss potential changes to the industry in the wake of the live baiting scandal.
Racing Queensland reiterated its support of the government's actions.
Shadow Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Sport and Racing Jann Stuckey said she supported the inquiry.
"The LNP supports any action to end the abhorrent practice of live baiting exposed within the greyhound racing industry," Ms Stuckey said.
"Some may well question if the Racing Minister acted swiftly and strongly enough when these practices were first raised. The LNP will be keeping a very close eye on this."
"Queenslanders have been sickened by what they have seen and are demanding changes."she said.
The commissioner will deliver his final report by June 1.
