Hon Mark Banasiak (left) with members of the working group on the steps of Parliament House, Sydney

Eight of New South Wales’ most respected recreational fishing leaders were hosted on 6 May at NSW Parliament House by Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party Legislative Council member, the Hon. Mark Banasiak MLC to chart a course for the establishment of a dedicated recreational fishing statutory authority— a long-awaited initiative that would deliver on a key 2023 NSW Labor election commitment.

Led by RFA President Stan Konstantaras, from the NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance, the group is preparing a detailed Discussion Paper to spark wide consultation with fishers, clubs, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders across the State. The aim is to ensure the proposed statutory authority reflects the grassroots aspirations of the fishing community and provides long-term transparency, independence, and trust in how fishing licence fees are invested.

“This has been 20 years in the making,” Mr Konstantaras said. “Recreational fishers in NSW contribute billions to the economy and enrich our social fabric, yet we remain without a formal, legislated voice in the decisions that impact our sport and lifestyle. It’s time for that to change.”

Mr Konstantaras said the establishment group is committed to broad and inclusive consultation and will be travelling across NSW in coming months to gather feedback from all corners of the community — from the coast to the inland rivers.

“The current advisory structures are fragmented and heavily bureaucratic. We need an independent body — just like RecFishWest in WA and VRFish in Victoria — that is governed by legislation, led by fishers, and accountable to both government and community,” he said.

The proposed statutory authority would:

  • Lead in education, youth engagement, and Indigenous participation;
  • Ensure transparent, community-led funding decisions;
  • And provide the Minister for Fisheries with independent advice backed by lived experience and grassroots insight.

Mr Banasiak welcomed the group’s initiative and praised the collaborative, constructive approach being taken. “This proposal has the potential to reset how recreational fishing is governed in NSW — giving our 1 million-plus fishers a seat at the table and restoring confidence in how their licence fees are used,” he said. “I commend Stan and the leadership group for the seriousness with which they’re approaching this and for honouring the community’s call for change.”

The working group plans to deliver its final recommendations to the Minister later this year, following a formal consultation process.