Here is what our MP's have been up to in NSW Parliament over the last couple weeks.
Holding Government to Account on Firearms, Fuel and Regional Pressures
It has been another busy sitting fortnight, with a strong focus on government accountability, regional pressures and the real-world impact of policy decisions. From firearms licensing failures to fuel shortages and rising costs for farmers, both Mark Banasiak and Robert Borsak have been pushing hard for answers where the Government has come up short.
Firearms Licensing Failure and Lack of Accountability
Mark Banasiak put the Government under serious pressure over revelations that a firearms licence was issued to a known extremist. He asked the simple question that many in the community are asking. Who made that call?
Instead of answers, the Government pointed to the royal commission. Mark made it clear that deflection is not accountability. At the same time that law-abiding firearms owners are facing tighter restrictions, the Government cannot explain how such a catastrophic failure occurred. He called out the double standard and reinforced that reforms should be fixing system failures, not targeting responsible owners.
Robert Borsak also weighed in on the broader issue, questioning why no action had been taken against senior leadership within the Firearms Registry following the failure. He made the point that when such serious breakdowns occur, there must be consequences and accountability, particularly when public safety is at stake.
Watch the exchange here:
Robert condemned the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who, despite warnings from the industry experts, passed laws which have seriously inhibited the legal importation of firearms, including specific Glock pistols for NSW Police plain clothes officers. These pistols are now sitting on the docks in Europe.
Watch Robert's Notice of Motion here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/qBCcgcV-dw8?feature=share
Demanding Transparency from the Firearms Registry
Mark Banasiak moved a formal order for papers to uncover what is really happening inside the NSW Firearms Registry. The motion targets licence applications that have taken more than two years to process, aiming to test claims made by the Government about delays and backlogs.
Mark highlighted the real experiences of constituents dealing with inconsistent advice, unexplained delays and decisions that simply do not stack up. If the system is working as claimed, the documents should prove it. If not, the public deserves to know.
The Government did not oppose the motion, which opens the door for long-overdue transparency. This is about getting facts on the table, not relying on assurances.
View the full contribution:
Farmers Facing Mounting Pressure
Mark Banasiak raised serious concerns about the growing pressure on farmers, particularly the cumulative impact of water policy changes, consultation overload and rising input costs. He questioned whether any consideration had been given to the mental health impact on farming communities already doing it tough.
Farmers are dealing with difficult seasonal conditions and skyrocketing diesel prices, in some cases reaching extreme levels just to keep operations going. Mark made it clear that layering multiple regulatory changes on top of this is not just poor timing, it is actively adding to the stress.
While the Minister acknowledged some of the pressure, much of the response pointed to limitations in control. Mark pushed back, urging the Government to use whatever flexibility it has to ease the burden. This is about recognising that policy decisions have real human consequences.
See the discussion here:
Fuel Crisis and Energy Security Concerns
Fuel security dominated much of the debate, with both Mark Banasiak and Robert Borsak highlighting the growing crisis across regional New South Wales.
Mark delivered a strong contribution calling out Australia's reliance on imported fuel and the vulnerability that creates. In many regional towns, when diesel runs out, everything stops. Farming, freight and basic services all depend on it. He made it clear that this is not a minor disruption but a national failure, warning that fuel security must be treated as national security.
Robert Borsak reinforced these concerns, questioning why warnings from the Chief Scientist had not been acted on sooner and why regional communities were left exposed. He pushed for guarantees that farmers and freight operators would actually have access to fuel when they need it, highlighting the real-world consequences of inaction.
Mark also raised concerns from communities that fuel supply is being prioritised for large projects over local needs, which directly contradicts what people on the ground are being told. The gap between government messaging and reality in the regions is becoming impossible to ignore.
Watch the speeches here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/y3lT6-4_LOw
Standing Up for Regional Communities and Transparency
Mark Banasiak also pushed for transparency around the New England transmission line, moving an order for papers to force the release of key documents. Communities, particularly around Walcha, have been left without clear answers on how route decisions were made.
The motion calls for full disclosure of costings, environmental impacts, engineering assessments and agricultural considerations. Mark made it clear that locals simply want to see the evidence behind decisions that will directly impact their land and livelihoods.
He highlighted the importance of protecting productive farmland and sensitive environmental areas, and stressed that transparency is the only way to build trust. If the process is sound, the Government should have nothing to hide.
This sitting fortnight reinforced a clear message. Regional communities are being left to deal with the consequences of poor planning, lack of transparency and delayed action. Mark Banasiak and Robert Borsak will continue to push for accountability, practical solutions and policies that put regional New South Wales first.
Unrivalled Animal Welfare in NSW Greyhound Racing
Robert Borsak rose during the sitting of parliament and highlighted the commendable improvement in animal welfare reported by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission. This completely dismisses the fraudulent and malicious claims of the Animal Justice Party and the Greens Political Party and highlights the importance of the Greyhound Racing Industry to country communities.
Click here to watch the Notice of Motion:
Thank you for your continued support!
