Rules Changed, Questions Dodged
It was a big three days in Parliament for Mark Banasiak, taking on firearms regulation, fishing restrictions, sweeping crime laws and failures in accountability. There were plenty of uncomfortable questions for the Government, but also a genuine win for regional NSW.
Who Changed the Suppressor Rules?
GIPA documents show the Firearms Registry was applying a tougher necessity test for suppressors, despite previously saying the rules had not changed. Mark demanded to know who authorised it and when, telling Parliament: “We now have documents showing that it has changed.” He then demanded the evidence behind claims that broader suppressor access would put people at risk.
Watch the exchange here:
Firearms Dealers Are Paying the Price
Mark put the financial hit to firearms dealers before Parliament, with a SIFA survey reporting an average estimated impact of $315,595 among respondents while the Government’s first phase offers grants of up to $25,000. His motion called on the Government to “honour the Minister’s undertaking to engage directly with affected firearms businesses” and deliver assistance reflecting their actual losses.
Watch Mark’s contribution here:
See the firearms dealers press conference here:
$860,000 Stranded After Police Changed Their Mind
NSW Police approved a wholesaler importing 580 firearms, then cancelled that approval after $860,000 worth of stock had been paid for and was already at sea. Eight months later it remained stranded in Border Force custody, while Mark described the wider compensation response as “totally unsatisfactory” and demanded to know whether the Government would make the business whole.
Watch Mark put the question here:
Organised Crime: Mark Tried to Rein It In
Mark warned that the Government’s failure to maintain order “does not entitle it to a blank cheque for coercive power.” After voting against the organised crime bill, he returned in committee with five amendments seeking tighter definitions and safeguards around firearms offences and digital access powers. The Government and Opposition opposed Mark’s amendments. Whatever Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane may say in the media they are still bi-partizan with Minns.
View Mark’s contributions here:
Kingfish: Uncertain Data, Precise Restrictions
Mark challenged plans for exact kingfish limits when the department itself acknowledges major uncertainty in parts of the data behind them. With commercial livelihoods and recreational fishing on the line, he cut through the modelling and assumptions with one simple demand: “If the data is uncertain, then bloody well say it is uncertain.”
Watch the full speech here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N28Xe-ngmOw
RSPCA Powers Need Real Accountability
After chairing the inquiry into animal welfare enforcement, Mark warned that private charities were exercising serious criminal law powers without proper funding and accountability. He summed it up perfectly: “Here are the powers of the State. Go and enforce our criminal law and, when the money runs out, pass the donation tin around.” Mark pushed for stronger oversight, transparency and further scrutiny of WIRES.
Watch Mark’s speech here:
A Win for Regional Jobs
Mark secured changes to the Local Jobs First Bill specifically recognising regional workers, manufacturers and small businesses in government procurement. His argument was simple: “If we can develop a hyper local element to procurement, that will deliver great wins for regional New South Wales.” This time, Mark got the amendment through.
Watch Mark’s contribution here:
Your Home Should Be Worth Defending
Mark’s self defence bill returned for another 30 minutes of debate, with the Keith Blessing case bringing the issue straight back to why the legislation matters. The debate again centred on the right of ordinary people to defend themselves in their own homes, while Mark’s bill seeks clearer protection for the “use of force against intruders” in a dwelling, vehicle or workplace.
Hunters Are Custodians of the Bush
Mark also put some well deserved recognition on the parliamentary record for hunters and volunteers who cleaned rubbish and illegally dumped waste from Canobolas State Forest near Orange. His motion recognised hunters as “custodians of the bush”, acknowledging their pest management, environmental stewardship and volunteer work to leave State forests better than they found them.
https://youtube.com/shorts/JJVrPuxQmVA?feature=share
Three days covering firearms owners, fishers, hunters, regional businesses and the basic question of government accountability. Mark did not just ask questions and make speeches. He forced difficult issues onto the record and secured a practical change to make sure regional workers and businesses are recognised when government contracts are handed out.
Thank you for your continued support!
