The NSW Government has appointed experienced lawyer and public service senior executive Natalie Marsic PSM as acting Chief Commissioner of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), following the removal of the former Chief Commissioner.
GWIC was established in 2018 under the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 as the independent regulator of the greyhound racing industry in NSW. The Commission's role is to control, supervise and regulate greyhound racing in NSW.
Ms Marsic joins the Commission following a distinguished career spanning executive leadership, investigations, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
Since June 2020, she has served as the General Counsel for the NSW Police Force working on key legal responses, including the Bondi terror attack and the response to COVID-19.
Ms Marsic has also held senior roles across the NSW public service as a Director at the Crown Solicitor's Office and the Ministry for Police and Emergency Services, as well as experience as Chief Audit Executive for the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Ms Marsic joins GWIC at a pivotal time, with the Secretary of the Premier's Department continuing with his inquiry into the administration and management of the Office of the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission. Part of Ms Marsic's role will be to drive the implementation of actions arising from the Drake Inquiry and act on relevant recommendations arising from the Premier's Department inquiry.
Ms Marsic is expected to commence in the acting position in the coming weeks
The former Chief Commissioner was removed from office by the Governor of NSW following a workplace investigation into alleged misbehaviour.
All allegations are taken seriously and at the conclusion of an investigation the Minister for Gaming and Racing recommended to the Governor that the former Chief Commissioner should be removed from office under clause 5(1), Schedule 1 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
"I want to welcome Ms Natalie Marsic as the acting Chief Commissioner of GWIC, she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and integrity to the role, and I am looking forward to working with her.
"GWIC plays a crucial role in ensuring the industry upholds the government's high standards, and I am confident Ms Marsic will continue this important work."
