Mr Toole voted with his Coalition colleagues to enforce the greyhound ban when the legislation came before parliament in the early hours of Wednesday, but said he was concerned about the impact it could have.

Mr Toole said he had met with stakeholders since the ban was announced and had read every letter that had been sent to his office.

“I have listened to their concerns. I understand and deeply regret their personal fears and their fears about the financial impact that this decision will have on them,” Mr Toole said.

“There are strong and diverse views in my electorate and I have taken all of them on board.”

Mr Toole had previously made it clear he would not cross the floor and vote against the government’s legislation but did not rule out abstaining from the vote.

When the bill was finally put to the vote shortly before 3am on Wednesday, though, he sided with the majority of his Coalition colleagues to enforce the ban.

Mr Toole said the focus should now be on ensuring people in the greyhound industry were supported in the lead-up to the ban on July 1 and the months and years afterwards.

“Dr John Keniry has been appointed as the co-ordinator general to head the Greyhounds Transition Taskforce. I have contacted Dr Keniry and he has assured me that he is actively consulting with the industry as well as every group impacted by the decision, including businesses,” Mr Toole said.

“He has already begun speaking to some of those who are affected in my electorate.”

Mr Toole defended his decision not to cross the floor.

“This is a government decision that’s been made and by being in government I feel I can continue to advocate strongly on behalf of those affected by this change and I will continue to do that both as a member of the Cabinet and a local member.” he said.

But Bathurst greyhound owner Matt Murphy said he was “really disappointed” with Mr Toole.

“He has really let the rural community down. This is an industry that puts $1.2 million into the Bathurst economy every year,” Mr Murphy said.

“I would like to hear him tell us where that money will come from and who will pay our mortgages.”