The ban was announced after a Special Commission report found “widespread cruelty” in the industry.

Racing Minister Paul Toole said legislation to repeal the ban and implement the reforms would be introduced to parliament.

“These reforms are focused on stronger penalties and lifetime bans for those who do the wrong thing, while developing a sustainable and ethical industry,” Mr Toole said. “The government is absolutely committed to a sustainable future for the greyhound industry and these reforms will help ensure confidence and integrity is restored.”

The Greyhound Industry Reform Panel published a list of 122 recommendations in February and the NSW Government will adopt all but one – signalling a dramatic backdown from the controversial position that cost the former Premier his job.

If the reforms are passed, an $11 million integrity commission will be established and animal welfare standards will be improved at a cost of $30 million to the taxpayer.

Among the reforms are an enforceable code of practice for greyhound welfare, CCTV cameras at all public and some private tracks, lifetime registration and tracking of dogs, tougher penalties for animal welfare abuses and live baiting as well as strict controls on euthanasia.

Wagga greyhound racing manager John Patton welcomed the announcement and said the local industry had always tried to do the right thing.

“We’ve always said if anyone is doing the wrong thing we fully support the governing bodies in ripping them out of the industry,” Mr Patton said.

“We’re constantly trying to update our facilities and improve the welfare of our dogs to make it enjoyable for everyone involved. This investment is a good start to help make sure our sport is clean.”

However, the NSW Greens fiercely criticised the reforms, accusing the government of “subsidising animal cruelty” with “blood money”.

“If the greyhound racing industry can’t afford to pay for basic animal welfare measures then they shouldn’t race,” animal welfare spokeswoman Mehreen Faruqi said. “Using public money that should be going into schools and hospitals to prop up greyhound racing is just obscene.”