A key aspect of the Commission’s integrity program is the prohibited substance program, aimed at detecting and deterring the use of prohibited substances.  ​

Swabs are collected at the racetrack by swabbing stewards or by a Commission veterinarian in some cases. Swabs are generally urine, but blood, hair or saliva may be collected. All swabs are analysed by an accredited laboratory. Samples from each swabbed greyhound must show a prohibited substance, or a ‘threshold’ substance at or above a prohibited level, before the greyhound is deemed to have shown a positive result.  ​

The Commission’s swabbing program focuses on both ‘race day’ and ‘out-of-competition’ swabs, with a stronger emphasis on out-of-competition swabs, including the taking of blood samples. Out-of-competition drug testing is undertaken for all Group 1 finalists, and when requested by the greyhound racing regulators of other states and territories. Testing may also occur as part of an investigation relating to other industry breaches.   ​

In 2019/20 the Commission collected over 7,000 swabs. ​The current contract with the laboratory to provide forensic testing for prohibited substance analysis for greyhounds in NSW expires in May 2021. ​The status of the contract provides an opportunity to seek proposals from appropriately accredited testing facilities to undertake the analysis and reporting of samples collected by the Commission. The procurement will seek to maximise efficiencies in testing and reporting processes, maximise value for money and provide an efficient and effective service with administration of the program.​

To find out more and respond to the RFP head to the eTender website and search GWIC/1692a- https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/?event=public.advancedsearch.home

The RFP will open on Monday 25 January and close at 5pm on Friday 19 March 2021.