Regional Wrap: Butler Targets Biosecurity, Firearms, and Local Services

In Short

• Direct Challenges: Roy Butler MP submitted over a dozen questions targeting regional issues, including the lack of alcohol interlock devices in the outback and the impact of the "Local Schools Local Decisions" policy.
• Legislative Action: Butler moved key amendments to the Work Health and Safety Bill to protect workers from discrimination and ensured regional water rights remained front-of-mind during water management debates.
• Local Legends: The MP formally recognised seven local individuals and the Coonabarabran Times on the floor of Parliament, ensuring regional achievements are etched into the state record.

The first parliamentary sitting week of 2026 saw Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP launch a broad offensive against the city-centric rollout of government services, focusing on the practical hurdles faced by residents in Western NSW.

Mr Butler used parliamentary Questions on Notice to pin down ministers on a variety of local pain points. A major focus was the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program; Butler questioned why these life-saving devices remain so difficult to access and service in remote areas, effectively penalising regional drivers more harshly than their city counterparts.

He also targeted the historic biosecurity budget, questioning whether the funds are actually reaching the ground to manage feral pig reproduction, a constant threat to primary industries in the Carrathool and Central Darling LGAs.

Other key questions included:

• Transport: Seeking reform for truck licence practical testing requirements.
• Education: Highlighting the negative impacts of the Local Schools Local Decisions initiative on rural staffing.
• Firearms: Pushing for fair market compensation for owners and clarifying permit arrangements for Category A and B firearms.

In the legislative arena, Butler was active in the debate over the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025.

He successfully moved amendments to clarify the definition of discrimination and ensure the Industrial Relations Commission remains the final arbiter for disputes.

He also contributed to the ongoing debate regarding the Water Management Amendment Bill 2025, ensuring that state and commonwealth water access licences remain transparent and accountable to regional stakeholders.

While the policy debate was fierce, Butler took time to place local achievements on the permanent Hansard record.

Among those recognised were Deanne Britton (Coonabarabran) for her 20 years of community transport service, and Olympic bronze medallist Warren Potent, who was named Warren Shire's 2026 Australia Day Ambassador.

Other locals honoured included Broken Hill chef Lee Checchin, Cobar’s Lilly Deppeler for her reservoir petition, and Condobolin’s Jonah Grimshaw for his state public speaking success.

"Local newspapers are more than just print on a page," Butler told Parliament, also acknowledging the 98-year legacy of the Coonabarabran Times.