Over the past few weeks, Robert and Mark, through Budget Estimates, had the opportunity to delve into the operations of state government departments. For some ministers, it revealed progress in the right direction. For others, it raised questions that demanded further explanation, highlighting just how crucial the Budget Estimates process is in the NSW Legislative Council.
Robert Borsak:
On Thursday 28th August in Parliamentary Committee 1, Robert questioned the Premier on the huge contribution made by Conservation Hunters in this state. Click on the link below to see Premier Minns give assurances that the Government understands the importance of Conservation Hunting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ18AMM5DPE
Later in the day, Robert asked the Premier if he was aware of the tragic plight of Kathleen Folbigg, a woman wrongfully convicted in 2003 of murdering her four children but was later pardoned in 2023 after 20 years in jail. See Premier Minn's response, assurances that Ms Folbigg's case would be expedited and her claim to compensation. Click on the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXBqDdGmsbM
Robert asked the Treasurer to clarify the recent announcement on funding for wharves and maritime infrastructure. These locations and assets are vital for both fishers and the public. Click the link below to hear Treasurer Mookhey's explanation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDqUGeGc_0k
The following week in Parliamentary Committee No. 1, Robert pressed the Minister for Racing and Gaming about the independence of the Greyhound Racing NSW board and the $18 million earmarked for the sport. Click the link below to see Minister Harris's assurances that the GRNSW board has the authority to hire a new CEO and access the allocated funds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBZyWu7Eo9o
Robert joined the Premier and Treasurer at Western Sydney International Airport, set to open in 2026. He was highly impressed with the progress and saw it as a major boost for services in Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and rural NSW.
Robert has also spent time assisting farmers with the removal of Rusa deer from properties in the Hunter.
Mark Banasiak:
Mark kicked off Budget Estimates with the Minister for Agriculture by shining a light on a serious, yet largely ignored issue - The illegal and massive over-harvesting of abalone, especially from the NSW south coast. Despite the minister downplaying the severity, the reality is that over 50 tonnes of abalone are being illegally taken from NSW waters each year, almost the equivalent of a full B-double truckload, or half of the total allowable commercial catch. There are also reports linking this illegal trade to organised crime due to the high value of abalone. Mark revisited the issue later in the day with the head of fisheries, so there are a couple of videos:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/GYytDkDrhXXdKTac/
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/6cJrFp71s7mzxgHj/
Water rights for farmers and irrigation are complex and often misunderstood, and the commodity is quickly becoming 'liquid gold'. Mark met with farmers from Northwestern NSW and the NSW Irrigation Council to discuss water issues and listen to their biggest concerns. Mark questioned the Minister for Water in Budget Estimates, you can see that video below. It's an ongoing campaign with much more to come.
While on the road, Mark attended the National Farmer Rally in Canberra, where key issues were raised, including:
- The activist-driven ban on live sheep exports by sea (#KEEPTHESHEEP)
- Refusal to settle the live cattle class action
- Proposals to scrap the Diesel Fuel Rebate
- New taxes for biosecurity and superannuation
- Calls to end the 88 days of specified work for backpackers
- Water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basin
- Unnecessary red tape from Scope 3 emissions reporting
- Community impacts of energy and renewable developments
We're proud to stand with Aussie farmers!
Watch the video here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/HRD8zi7KGpU54zCM/
Mark met with renowned Australian film director Ian Barry and his wife Vicki at their 105-acre property in the beautiful Hunter Valley. After 30 years, part of their land is now in the path of the proposed Hunter transmission powerline corridor. Ian, now in his late 70s, suffers from advanced motor neuron disease, which affects his ability to process and retain information. Feeling pressured by EnergyCo, the Barrys turned to SFF, and we've stepped in to represent them in Parliament. Since this video, the Minister's office has assured us they'll do everything possible to ensure the Barrys receive the consideration they deserve, especially given Ian's condition.
Thank you for your dedicated support!
