Ray Hadley delivers a groveling on-air apology to a prominent Aussie CEO during his final week on Radio 2GB
Radio titan Ray Hadley has issued a formal apology to the former Greyhound Racing NSW boss after releasing an on-air broadcast that he now admits was largely ‘inaccurate’.
Hadley used part of his final week as morning show host on Sydney’s Radio 2GB – where he has dominated the ratings for two decades – to retract comments about Robert Macauley he made when writing a story about the greyhound racing industry in May told.
Some of the false allegations Hadley dismissed included a reference to a greyhound rehoming program in the US, which he described as a “cash grab.” He wrongly said, “Just pack them, Mr. Macaulay, to the United States of America, and don’t worry too much about what happens then.”
Hadley’s tone changed dramatically on Wednesday: ‘In May this year I covered a story about Greyhound Racing and as part of that I made a number of comments about Robert Macaulay, who was the CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW at the time.
“New information has revealed that a number of comments I made about Mr Macaulay are incorrect.
“I now withdraw the incorrect allegations and apologize to Robert Macaulay for the pain caused to him.”
Hadley is leaving 2GB after 24 years and is in talks with the conservative TV channel Sky News Australia. His replacement has been announced as fellow rugby league commentator and 2GB colleague Mark Levy.
Mr Macauley was represented in his defamation claim by Paul Svilans of Mark O’Brien Legal and barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC.
Ray Hadley has apologized to former Greyhound Racing NSW boss Robert Macauley (pictured) over comments he made on his radio show in May
Hadley (pictured) will join Nine’s flagship Sydney talkback station 2GB on December 13 after more than two decades hosting his top-rated morning show
Hadley had been a supporter of the greyhound racing industry in the past and had fought hard against former NSW Premier Mike Baird’s failed attempt to ban it.
But his radio tirade followed the closure of the Wyee greyhound adoption facility on the NSW central coast, which was turned into a base for rehoming former racing dogs in the US.
Mr Macauley said the move was an attempt to streamline Greyhound Racing NSW’s operations following a decline in betting revenue.
“There will be no negative impact on animal welfare or rail safety initiatives, which will continue with increased funding in line with recent years and firm commitments to world best practice,” he said.
‘A full business review and extensive consultation with participants, club and association leaders and business partners [were done].
“I emphasize that all animal welfare programs, including rehoming efforts, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) retraining for retired greyhounds, track safety work and upgrades will continue to be fully funded with an unwavering commitment to the world’s best standards.”
Mr Macauley resigned as CEO of Greyhound Racing NSW in July.