🚨 ACTION NEEDED TODAY – Contact Your Local MP and Mark Banasiak MLC (Draft Correspondence)
Was there genuine consultation before these reforms were introduced? The Consultation Claim
K9 Sports Illawarra has serious concerns about claims that affected stakeholders were consulted on the proposed dog training equipment reforms. The timeline speaks for itself:
📅 22 Jan 2026 – K9 Sports Illawarra wrote to Premier Minns and Minister Moriarty raising concerns about the proposed reforms.
📅 27 Feb 2026 – We were advised by the Department that consultation had been finalised, reforms were already well progressed, Bill drafting was underway, and legislation was expected to be introduced in the first half of 2026.
📅 16 Apr 2026 – Following our approach to the Premier's Office, we were subsequently advised that departmental representatives would meet with us.
📅 29 Apr 2026 – During the meeting, we were advised the legislation was already substantially progressed and being prepared for introduction into Parliament.
📅 29 Apr 2026 – The same day, K9 Sports Illawarra lodged a detailed evidence-based submission supported by scientific literature, regulatory examples and practical implementation concerns.
📅 8 May 2026 – Just six business days later, we were advised the Bill had already been introduced into Parliament.
We respect the right of Government to make policy decisions. However, consultation should occur before a position is effectively settled, not after legislation is substantially drafted and ready for introduction.
We are calling on Minister Tara Moriarty MLC and Members of Parliament to undertake meaningful consultation with affected stakeholders before reaching a final determination on these reforms.
📢 PLEASE ACT TODAY
Parliament may debate these reforms at any time. The opportunity to influence the outcome is rapidly closing.
📧 Contact your local Member of Parliament.
📧 Contact Mark Banasiak MLC (mark.banasiak@parliament.nsw.gov.au)
📧 Ask them to oppose the proposed changes until meaningful consultation has occurred and stakeholder evidence has been properly considered.
Mark Banasiak MLC has been actively raising concerns regarding these reforms in Parliament and advocating for affected stakeholders to be heard. If you write to your local MP, we encourage you to copy (CC) Mark on your correspondence. Individual stories, concerns and responses from MPs help demonstrate the breadth of community concern and strengthen calls for meaningful consultation before Parliament reaches a final determination on these reforms.
Please do not be concerned that your MP may receive multiple emails on this issue. Listening to constituents and representing community views is exactly what elected representatives are there to do. Every respectful email helps demonstrate the level of community concern and the need for proper consultation before these reforms proceed further.
The more people who contact their elected representatives, the harder it becomes for this issue to be ignored.
Please share this update with your friends, training clubs, breeders, working dog handlers and fellow dog owners.
Attachments: The Consulation Claim and Local Member and Mark Basaniak draft letter which can be customised to reflect your own views and circumstances.
#ConsultationMatters #DogOwnersMatter #K9SportsIllawarra #POCTAA #NSWParliament #DogSports