Progress on Western Sydney Airport Metro Station

Passengers using the new metro line into Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will have the smoothest of transits, with extra-wide platforms and a range of luggage-friendly features to make it a first-class public transport experience.

The first look inside Airport Terminal Station reveals the widest platforms on the entire Sydney Metro network – twice the width of the platforms at Gadigal Station in the Sydney CBD.

At ten metres wide, the large platforms are among design features to facilitate the high-volume movement of travellers with luggage in and out of the city’s newest airport.

Airport Terminal Station will also have larger lifts and wider ticket gates to smooth the connection.

The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, will move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction.

The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes where passengers can join services on the T1 Western Line that run direct to stations including Blacktown, Parramatta, Strathfield and Central Station.

A 60-tonne crane is being used to lower precast concrete segments 25 metres below ground to the station floor, with segments then pieced together side-by-side and secured in place with bolts and concrete to create the platform.

The high-precision work will take about 25 days to complete, with work starting next at Airport Business Park and Orchard Hills stations. Bradfield Station is the first station box where the platform installation work is complete.

Construction progress on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport comes amid a rush of milestones in recent weeks across the Sydenham to Bankstown metro conversion and Sydney Metro West mega-projects. These include:

  • 80 per cent completion at Bankstown, with platforms and screens in place
  • The breakthrough of two tunnel boring machines into Pyrmont on their way to Hunter Street
  • Breakthroughs at Parramatta as those TBMs head to Westmead
  • 90 per cent completion of all tunnelling on Sydney Metro West

The $10.5 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, each contributing $5.25 billion.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns: 

“Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is taking shape, and it will be a welcome addition to what will be a thriving new city around the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

“Having the right transport infrastructure in place for this new airport will connect people with jobs, leisure, and enable businesses to thrive.

“We’re investing in infrastructure like Metro to ensure essential services are up and running when this brand-new city comes to life.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Western Sydney International will be Australia’s most technologically advanced airport, so it’s apt that it will be served by a fast, frequent and high-tech driverless Metro.

“This milestone is an exciting step toward delivering the new metro connection that will serve as a key gateway for airport passengers, workers and residents across Greater Western Sydney.

“Sydney’s new airport has been talked about for decades, and soon it will be a reality. Sydney’s new airport will have room to expand as demand for flights grows over the coming decades. This metro will play an important role in linking growing suburbs to their new airport.

NSW Minister for Transport John Graham:

“The Airport Terminal Station will be among the busiest on the line and play a major role in the success of our city’s new international airport. We are making sure that every design feature is tailored to a smooth journey from air to rail.

“Bradfield and the airport precinct will grow rapidly around this world-class infrastructure, providing the employment growth close to home that the millions of people in Western Sydney deserve.”

“I want to thank the 3000 workers currently on site across this project.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering incredible investments in roads and rail across our region, that will change the way workers and passengers can travel to the Airport and surrounds.

“It’s an exciting time for south west Sydney, as we look forward to a new airport and a fantastic new metro service.

state Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:

“Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield City Centre will reshape our region — bringing new jobs, new industries, and new opportunities closer to home. It’s great to see the metro line that will connect it all coming to life.

“As one of the fastest-growing parts of the state, Greater Western Sydney deserves world-class infrastructure that supports local jobs, new housing and better connections for our communities.”

Recovery Assistance Point for New England communities underway

A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) will open in Gunnedah this week to support communities in the storm-impacted New England following the recent severe weather including heavy rainfall.

The Gunnedah RAP will open from Thursday to Saturday offering face to face support to impacted residents, businesses and primary producers including:

  • help with replacing ID and personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, Medicare card, vehicle and vessel registrations and licences, and citizenship documents
  • legal assistance
  • insurance support and guidance on claims, policy coverage, and clean-up
  • mental health support as recovering from a natural disaster can take a toll on mental and physical health.

Recovery Assistance Point location:

  • Gunnedah, Salvation Army Hall, 30 Tempest Street, Gunnedah
    • Thursday 14 August, 2pm – 6pm; Friday 15 August, 11am – 4:30pm; Saturday 16 August, 10am – 2pm.

RA staff remain on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha as recovery operations ramp up.

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to make sure support is available to help individuals, land holders and communities get back on their feet.

Information about recovery support is updated daily at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates

NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“People are doing it tough in the New England, but I want them to know that the Government is here every step of the way through recovery. 

“That’s what Recovery Assistance Points are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet.

“We are also working closely with and support Councils too to repair the infrastructure communities need to stay connected to services and each other.” 

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“We’re standing up the Gunnedah Recovery Assistance Point to ensure communities have access to the support they need.

“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people and businesses impacted by recent severe weather and snow.

“Information and access for support is currently available at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates.”

Warning on regional level crossing safety as Rail Safety Week begins

Regional motorists are being urged to obey the rules and stay safe around level crossings, after joint enforcement in regional areas resulted in 80 driver fines for ignoring signals about approaching trains and for speeding.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to lowering road fatalities toward zero, and part of that includes making level crossing safer for everyone.

It is investing $7.3 million a year through the Level Crossing Improvement Program to accelerate upgrades of priority public level crossings and through level crossing safety education and enforcement campaigns.

The safety message comes as Rail Safety Week begins, a reminder to be safe on and around the rail network. Rail Safety Week will be marked across NSW with events focused on Werris Creek and is strongly supported by the Minns Labor Government.

During a recent ten-day Level Crossing Awareness and Enforcement campaign in the Liverpool Plains area, NSW Police detected 55 offences at level crossings in Nea, Curlewis, Caroona and Gunnedah including 26 level crossing offences and 26 speeding offences.

Police penalized a further 35 motorists at four level crossings in the Riverina around Junee and Marrar, detecting 26 level crossing offences and six speeding offences.

There were five collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW last financial year including the single fatal collision at the Twigg Road Yenda level crossing last September. There were also 74 near hits between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW.

Across in the past 10 years there have been 69 collisions between trains and vehicles at NSW’s 1,307 public road level crossings, resulting in 9 deaths and 9 serious injuries. Some 64 of those crashes occurred in regional NSW.

Every year, the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW run localised awareness and enforcement campaigns to enforce the rules at level crossings using highly visible police enforcement.

Motorists who gamble with their safety at level crossings face three demerit points and a $562 fine.

Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and can take up to 1.4 kilometres, or 14 football fields, to come to a complete stop. Even if a train driver sees you, they can’t stop in time.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“On long drives, especially on our regional roads, it’s easy to slip into autopilot but if you miss a warning sign, you could be missing the chance to save your own life.

“If you’re not responding to the signs at level crossings, you’re not paying enough attention to drive on our roads and that makes you a danger to yourself and everyone else.

“Level crossing safety comes down to one thing – paying attention. Whether you’ve been behind the wheel for five minutes or five hours, you can’t afford to switch off.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Closed gates and flashing lights at level crossings mean that a train is approaching and motorists who choose to ignore these signals are putting themselves, their passengers, pedestrians, as well as train passengers and drivers at risk.

“With more than 30 trains a day passing through some level crossings, it’s extremely important for motorists to be patient and obey the signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings.

“Ignoring them can and sadly has resulted in avoidable tragedy.

“It can only take a few seconds for a fatal collision to happen.

“Even if the train driver sees you, they often cannot stop in time.

“It’s concerning that so many motorists are speeding on approach to and across level crossings and committing offences despite the presence of clearly marked Highway Patrol vehicles at the level crossings.

“Safety is our top priority, but we all need to look out for each other to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

NSW Police Acting Superintendent Ben Macfarlane said:

“These results are indicative of the complacency around Level Crossings. It is clear that drivers are still ignoring warnings, speed limits and signage.

“Trains can come from any direction, at any time and some trains can take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop.

“Disobeying level crossing warning signs and lights can lead to crashes between vehicle and trains where the consequences can be deadly. Drivers need to take personal responsibility when around level crossing to ensure the path is clear.”

$1 million to drive more support for people with disability

The Minns Labor Government has delivered over $1 million in grants to support people with disability across the state.

Thirteen not-for-profit organisations will share in over $1 million through the 2024-25 Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) grants. The funding will help to build the capacity of the sector, extend support to people not covered by the NDIS, and empower people with disability to participate more fully and confidently in community life.

Funded projects of between $20,000 and $100,000 aim to:

  • increase supports that enable people with disability to participate in their communities
  • strengthen the NSW disability advocacy sector through collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
  • build stronger networks and learning opportunities for advocacy organisations in NSW.

From supporting children newly diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions, to young disability advocates, to Aboriginal students with autism and their families — each initiative aims to close gaps, remove barriers, and strengthen support.

Now in its third funding round, the DAFP Special Purposes and Projects and Sector Development stream is growing the skills, reach and resilience of NSW’s disability advocacy organisations.

The DAFP is a cornerstone of the NSW Government’s commitment to disability advocacy, with the program extended in March 2024 with a further $28 million in funding — securing support through to June 2026. It now funds 19 organisations across NSW to deliver individual, systemic and representative advocacy, as well as sector development.

By investing in advocacy today, the Minns Labor Government is building a more inclusive and equitable future — where every person with disability has the tools, the voice, and the support to participate fully in their community.

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“We’re proud to be backing these incredible organisations that support people with disability every day — helping them to be heard, to be safe, and to thrive.

“This funding supports projects that create real, tangible change — from helping families navigate a new diagnosis, to giving young people with disability the tools to lead and advocate for themselves.

“We’ve already seen the difference this program can make. Now, with another round of grants, we’re strengthening the foundations of advocacy in NSW and ensuring more people get the support they deserve — when and where they need it.”

Example Projects

A diverse range of projects have been funded in 2024–25, including initiatives to:

  • support children newly diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions — and their families and carers — to access information, specialist services, and peer support more easily
  • provide DV-alert training for frontline workers, along with workshops to equip women with disability with the tools to recognise abuse
  • deliver civics and advocacy training for young people with disability, focusing on leadership, disability rights, and self-advocacy
  • develop resources to empower Autistic Aboriginal children and their families throughout their education journey.

For more information on the Disability Advocacy Futures Program, visit the Disability Advocacy Futures Program web page.

Australia to recognise Palestinian State

Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September, to contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.

Since 1947, Australia has supported Israel’s existence. In that year, Australia’s Foreign Minister Evatt chaired the UN committee that recommended the creation of two states side by side.

Then, as now, the international community understood a two-state solution was the basis of peace and security for the peoples of the region.

Australia was the first country to raise its hand at the United Nations in support of Resolution 181, to create the State of Israel – and a Palestinian state.

More than 77 years later, the world can no longer wait for the implementation of that Resolution to be negotiated between the parties.

Australia’s decision helps build the historic global momentum to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East.

The Netanyahu Government is extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution by rapidly expanding illegal settlements, threatening annexation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and explicitly opposing any Palestinian state.  

The international community is moving to establish a Palestinian state consistent with a two-state solution. 

In doing so, the world is seizing the opportunity of major new commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including to reform governance, terminate prisoner payments, institute schooling reform, demilitarise and hold general elections. The Palestinian Authority has also restated its recognition of Israel’s right to exist. The President of the Palestinian Authority has reaffirmed these commitments directly to the Australian Government.

Australia’s position is predicated on the commitments we have received from the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to work with the international community to hold the Palestinian Authority to its commitments and to encourage normalised relations between Israel and its neighbours.

The commitments by the Palestinian Authority are strengthened by the Arab League’s unprecedented demand for the terrorist organisation Hamas to end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons.

Together these factors mean that this is the best opportunity Australia may ever have to support moderate voices for peace in the region, to undermine extremism and to further isolate Hamas. This is the movement to which Australia and so many countries are seeking to add momentum.

Hamas continues to damage the prospects of a two-state solution and rejects Israel’s right to exist. Hamas must release the hostages cruelly taken on October 7, 2023 immediately, unconditionally and with dignity. The Australian Government has consistently made clear there can be no role for Hamas in a Palestinian state.

Australia is further compelled by the Netanyahu Government’s disregard of the international community’s calls, and its failure to comply with its legal and ethical obligations in Gaza. Israel is required to protect civilians and ensure the provision of food and medical supplies. Permanent forced displacement of civilians is illegal.

Palestinian children deserve a future that looks nothing like their reality today.

There is much more work to do in building the Palestinian state. We will work with partners on a credible peace plan that establishes governance and security arrangements for Palestine and ensures the security of Israel.

Australia will continue to be a constructive partner in support of a two-state solution, as the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future that respects the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Appeal to locate man missing from Rathmines

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate a man missing from the north coast.

Benjamin Holt, aged 34, was last seen launching a boat from a boat ramp at Rathmines, about 1pm yesterday, (Monday 11 August 2025.)

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family have concerns for his welfare.

Benjamin is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing black tracksuit pants and a black hoodie.

Benjamin is known to frequent the Bolton Point, Swansea, Coal Point and Marmong Point areas and associated boat ramps.

Palestine: Not in our name Albo, says Family First

The Albanese Government’s rewarding of the rapes, slaughter and kidnapping committed by Hamas on October 7 by recognising a Palestinian state shames all Australians, Family First said today.

“What is it Anthony Albanese is recognising? Is it a state led by people who now believe Israel has a right to exist? Is it led by people who will now stop teaching children to hate Jews and support Islamic terrorism?” asked Family First National Director Lyle Shelton.

“Sadly those ideas have not been supported by the almost 90-year-old head of the corrupt Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, until a sudden out-of-character shift in June.

“While the Prime Minister said today Mr Abbas had now changed his mind and believed Israel had a right to exist and that Palestinian kids should not be taught to hate and kill Jews, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not so sure,” Mr Shelton said.

Mr Netanyahu told a media conference yesterday he did not believe the PA had changed its stripes.

“What does Anthony Albanese know about Mr Abbas, who says Hitler was not antisemitic, that Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t know?

“Abbas has spent a long lifetime working for a one state solution, not a two-state solution. He has repeatedly rejected generous offers of statehood in the past because that would mean accepting Israel’s right to exist.

“How can an entity which pays the pensions of the families of suicide bombers be a partner for peace?

“Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Penny Wong is naïve and the only winners are the Hamas terrorists huddled in their tunnels in Gaza.”

Mr Shelton said Family First was dismayed at the media misinformation which routinely blames Israel for the killing and wounding of civilians without mentioning that Hamas uses them as human shields. It makes no secret of leveraging the deaths it causes of its people to turn world opinion against Israel.

“Since the war began Israel has repeatedly given up the element of surprise by smsing and phoning Gazans ahead of military strikes so they could get to safety.

“The largescale destruction of buildings in Gaza, as Mr Netanyahu and others have pointed out, is because Hamas routinely booby traps houses with IEDs (improvised explosive devices). The IDF’s destruction of terror tunnels built under houses, hospitals and mosques had also caused structures to collapse.

“Israel has been demonised for causing children to starve to death in Gaza, something for which there is no evidence, while the UN refuses to distribute truckloads of aid because that requires cooperating with the US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

“While Gazan civilians had been deprived of aid because of Hamas looting and the UN’s intransigence, the only actual starvation going on in Gaza is of the hostages.

“Sadly, Albanese and Wong have delivered yet another propaganda coup to the Hamas Islamic death cult.

“Unless Hamas, which still has thousands of armed Islamic terrorists in Gaza, is destroyed, it will re-group and attempt October 7 again and again until every Jew from the river to the sea is killed,” Mr Shelton said.

Visit to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Fiji

This week, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy, will travel to the Pacific as Australia continues to strengthen ties with our nearest neighbours.

The Deputy Prime Minister will travel to Papua New Guinea to discuss the deepening defence ties between our two countries, and Australia’s support for PNG’s security priorities.

During the visit he will meet with Prime Minister the Hon James Marape MP, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon John Rosso MP, and Minister for Defense the Hon Dr Billy Joseph MP.

After travelling to PNG, the Deputy Prime Minister will join Minister Wong and Minister Conroy in the Republic of Vanuatu – building on our enduring partnership.

While in Vanuatu, they will meet Prime Minister, the Hon Jotham Napat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management the Hon Johnny Koanapo, and other senior ministers.

The Ministers will also travel to Tanna, the home island of Prime Minister Napat, to progress discussions on the proposed Nakamal Agreement – a bilateral initiative to elevate our partnership.

This visit builds on the increasing tempo of Ministerial exchanges and visits between Australia and Vanuatu in both directions over the past six months.

The Foreign Minister will then travel to the Republic of Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers Meeting. As a founding member of the PIF, Australia strongly supports the Forum’s role in strengthening regional unity and pursuing our shared vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous and unified region.

As a Pacific nation, Australia is a partner the region can count on; it is in our interests to foster a resilient region that enables all our economies to grow and prosper together.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia deeply values our relationships with our Pacific family as we work together to strengthen ties and deepen security partnerships.

“In Papua New Guinea, I look forward to meeting my counterparts to discuss the growing integration and cooperation between our defence forces, including through negotiations for a bilateral defence treaty, as announced in February this year.

“In Vanuatu, custom, culture and tradition will provide a vibrant backdrop to our discussions around the Nakamal agreement and Australia looks forward to using this concept to strengthen our ties.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Our visit to Vanuatu highlights the respect, shared values and cultural and spiritual connections that are the platform for deepening the partnership between our countries.

“It is a privilege to be joining Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers in Suva, to come together to make decisions for our region.

“Australia is working with the Pacific family to advance our shared priorities and shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.”

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“I look forward to working with the Vanuatu Government to strengthen our close economic, development and security partnership.

“As partners, we overcome challenges together – Australia is a partner Vanuatu can count on.”

Labor needs to end weapons exports to Israel, not mislead the public

The Albanese Government’s two-way arms trade with Israel is failing to meet the basic requirements of either morality or international law. 

Denials by the Albanese Government that the arms trade with Israel even exists are clearly a weak attempt to mislead the public to avoid taking material action. 

Australia, like all nations, is obliged to act to prevent genocide and war crimes. This includes ending the export of armoured steel, critical materials and F-35 weapons parts to Israel’s weapons industry and military.

Germany has now become the latest in a series of countries that include the UK, Canada, Spain, Italy, Brazil, the Netherlands and many more, that have either completely or partially ended their arms trade with Israel. Australia now stands alone with Donald Trump’s US in not taking action. 

Right now the clear obligation on Australia means it must cease assisting Israel’s indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force and mass starvation in its unlawful assault on Gaza.

Greens Senator and Defence and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, David Shoebridge, said:

“Watching Defence Minister Richard Marles refuse to answer basic questions about Australia’s export of weapons parts and defence material to Israel is excruciating.

“The Australian public knows that the Albanese Government is permitting the export of armoured steel, F35 weapons parts and other critical materials to Israel and wants it to stop.

“If the Albanese Government stopped the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel, then their F-35 fleet would be grounded.

“Labor’s false claims that F35 fighter jet parts and other material exported to Israel are not ‘weapons’ is in gross breach of international law, including the 2014 Arms Trade Treaty that Australia is a party to.

“International law is crystal clear, parts of weapons are weapons. 

“Germany has stopped weapons exports to Israel, so why on earth won’t Labor stop Australia sending them?

“Australia is a key part of the F35 fighter jet program. We are the only place in the world that makes parts like the bomb bay doors and we operate as one of the few regional distribution hubs.

“Two years of hollow talking points from the Albanese Government aren’t washing with the public anymore as we watch a genocide in real time.

“Australia’s supply of F-35 weapons parts to Israel has recently been described as the ‘direct facilitation of war crimes’ by Josh Paul, former Director of Congressional and Public Affairs, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, in the US State Department.

“If Australia applied the same sanctions regime to Israel for its illegal war in Gaza as it is applying to Russia for its illegal war in Ukraine, these exports would have already ended. Instead, the Albanese Government is actively choosing to continue the two-way arms trade with Israel.”

NACC’s FOI Cover-Up of Independent Robodebt Corruption Conclusions Exposed

Documents forced out of the National Anti-Corruption Commissioner under FOI show the Commission has been actively concealing critical information about its investigation of the Robodebt scandal from the Australian public.

Documents obtained by Greens Senator David Shoebridge through FOI, after a lengthy battle, reveal that former High Court Justice Jeffrey Nettle found that each of the six individual Robodebt referrals “raises a corruption issue”. 

These critical initial findings were deliberately hidden by the NACC in its public statement when it announced the embarrassing U-turn it was compelled to take on the Robodebt referral. 

The findings are contained in a draft media release that was later edited by embattled Commissioner Brereton, and others in the NACC, to remove any reference to former Justice Nettles’ critical conclusions. Commissioner Brereton involved himself in this matter despite his publicly declared conflict of interest in the Robodebt investigation and the findings of the independent Inspector of the  NACC he should have no involvement in the Robodebt referral. 

The draft media release released under FOI is here. 

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“This is exactly the kind of secretive, anti-transparency behaviour that undermines public confidence in our integrity institutions

“The NACC stumbled at the first hurdle in the Robodebt matter and then, even after an independent expert recommended they properly investigate, they hid the full details of this recommendation. 

“What makes this even more outrageous is that these revelations only came to light through a hard-fought Freedom of Information battle that the Greens found with the NACC to hide the truth. 

“An anti-corruption body fighting to keep key information secret really isn’t worthy of the name. 

“This institution continues to privilege the powerful persons accused of misconduct at the expense of the many Australians whose lives were harmed by Robodebt. 

“Commissioner Brereton’s continued involvement in the Robodebt matter, even after being found to have engaged in officer misconduct, is unacceptable and further destroys public trust in the NACC. 

“This is on top of Commissioner Brereton’s serious conflict in continuing to retain a position of Major General in the Defence Force while heading a Commission that is reviewing some 120 Defence referrals. 

“Australians deserve better. They deserve an anti-corruption commission that operates in sunlight, not shadow and that can recognise a conflict of interest when it is staring it in the face.”