See what our MPs have been up to in the last couple weeks.
Robert Borsak MLC
In the previous sitting week of Parliament, Robert held the Greens to account for their disgraceful ideology. He also celebrated the contribution of the Polish community and announced the further funding of Safe Shooting.
On Tuesday 18th June, Robert delivered a Notice of Motion condemning the antisemitic rhetoric of The Greens, their support of Pro-Palestine protests and the Greens members wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh in parliament, a garment worn by Hamas terrorists during their October 17th invasion of Israel. Greens member for Newtown, Jenny Leong, has been a repeat offender, alongside former Legislative Council member and current Greens Federal Senator, Merheen Faruqi, who appears to have an antisemitic agenda. Click on the link to see Robert call out the Greens.
https://youtu.be/o760gI_n9VI?si=hlrzE--M3DWDQDSx
In a Notice Of Motion on the same day, Robert recognised the 10th Anniversary of the Polish Film Festival. He highlighted the festival's contribution to the community and its success over the past decade, in bringing foreign language films to audiences and providing opportunities for students of the Polish language to further develop their skills. He also praised the economic and social contribution of the film festival.
In addition, Robert was pleased to announce the return of an $800,000 Safe Shooting grant program to the NSW State Budget, which will be open to Target Shooting and Hunting Clubs to improve facilities across the state. SFF has fought for this funding, and we're delighted that it is again part of the 2024-2025 NSW Budget.
In the community, on Thursday 20th June Robert spoke with 2GB's Ray Hadley about the shocking and inept aerial culling methods used by National Parks & Wildlife and the disgraceful way the RSPCA is rubber stamping it.
Mark Banasiak MLC
Last sitting week Mark passed a Standing Order 52 (SO52) through parliament, the parliamentary version of a GIPA request, calling for documents relating to the main works contract between Infrastructure NSW and the developer of the Sydney Fish Market project. Members of the Sydney Fish Market hold concerns about the suitability of the redevelopment to meet their needs, they had been unable to get information themselves. SFF understands that a successful fish market and commercial fishing industry are linked. You can view a copy of the order in Hansard records here:
Further, Mark also moved a motion challenging the green aspect of offshore wind farms proposed for the Hunter and the Illawarra. Our research shows that while these 'renewables' may appear environmentally friendly, a little research peels back layers of mistruth and reveals their true impact. Mark also spoke on ABC Illawarra and attended the 2nd Responsible Futures (Illawarra Branch) meeting on Tuesday night. You can see the motion video and listen to the full ABC interview below.
Mark was fighting for Forestry once again with a question that highlighted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not been following its own legislated process for making changes to the coastal integrated forestry operations approvals. Being a highly technical question, the Minister was very reluctant to answer as expected, but we look forward to her response when they no doubt, seek legal advice.
Special Thanks
Robert and Mark joined our candidate Ben Smith for the Northern Tablelands by-election following the resignation of Nationals member Adam Marshall, along with members of the SFF and volunteers. The Northern Tablelands has long been a National Party stronghold and widely regarded as a 'very safe' electoral seat for them. With numbers still counting, SFF looks to come in second, but given the region's loyalty, it is an outstanding effort by Ben and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly toward this result. From your friends in the Parliamentary team, we thank you for your immense efforts over the past few weeks.
