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NSW government cancels mining licences tainted by Eddie Obeid, Ian Macdonald corruption scandals
Date
January 20, 2014 - 5:52PM


NuCoal has foreshadowed legal action against Ian Macdonald and others.
The O'Farrell government has cancelled mining licences approved by former Labor minister Ian Macdonald. Photo: Jon Reid
The NSW government has announced it will cancel lucrative coal licences at the centre of corruption inquiries involving former ministers Ian Macdonald and Eddie Obeid, and deny the companies who own them any compensation.

On Monday Premier Barry O'Farrell said the NSW government would introduce legislation to cancel the exploration licences for Doyles Creek and Mt Penny and Glendon Brook.

The cancellation was recommended by ICAC in December as it concluded the licences were "tainted by corruption".

In a statement Mr O'Farrell said legislation would require the companies which own the licences, NuCoal in the case of Doyles Creek and Cascade Coal in the case of Mt Penny and Glendon Brook, to hand over all exploration data and be responsible for any rehabilition of the sites.

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"There is no intention to immediately re-release the affected areas but any future process for issuing licences will be consistent with the NSW government's implementation of the ICAC's recommendations on probity," the statement said.

"No compensation is to be provided for the cancellation of these licences. The legislation will indemnify the taxpayer from any possible claims relating to the issuing or cancellation of the licences."

In December, ICAC advised the licences should be cancelled because they were tainted by corruption following sensational inquiries involving Mr Macdonald and Mr Obeid.

Last year ICAC found Mr Macdonald acted corruptly in creating a mining tenement at Mount Penny in the Bylong Valley over land owned by the Obeid family, delivering it tens of millions of dollars.

It also found Mr Macdonald acted corruptly in granting the licence at Doyles Creek in the Hunter Valley in 2008 to a company, Doyles Creek Mining, then chaired by former union official John Maitland.

NuCoal and Cascade have previously threatened the government with legal action if the licences were cancelled.

Last week NuCoal estimated it would seek compensation of "at least" $500 million while Cascade warned of "lengthy and costly litigation".

NuCoal and Cascade have been approached for comme



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-government-cancels-mining-licences-tainted-by-eddie-obeid-ian-macdonald-corruption-scandals-20140120-314iv.html#ixzz2qvKFtL4O

let these companies sue Obeid and McDonald.... it was their corrupt actions  that made this all possible..

and serves them right..

He is highly deserving & I hope he gets exactly what he deserves, if you get my meaning!

perceptions_now wrote on Jan 20^th, 2014 at 7:48pm:

He is highly deserving & I hope he gets exactly what he deserves, if you get my meaning!

what is sad.. nothing can undo what he has got away with..the best we can hope for is it never ever happens again..the ALP has to be more vigilant..its not about votes..its about integrity...to have allowed this scum to be a part of their empire...is shameful.. I just do not believe NO ONE KNEW..from the leaders down they all knew.... and eh got away with it... HOW COME?.. what is the culture of the ALP.. to turn a blind eye to such a person? that should read persons..it goes for the union people as well..

A coal company embroiled in an ICAC inquiry has reacted angrily to plans by Premier Barry O'Farrell to introduce legislation to cancel coal mine exploration licences for Doyles Creek, Mt Penny and Glendon Brook. 
 
Cascade Coal said in a statement on Monday night it will take "all steps available" to protect its assets and the interests of its shareholders, and said the "grossly unjust" decision will raise significant questions about sovereign risk.

"This latest announcement is a further example of the lack of procedural fairness and the denial of legal rights that has characterised the whole ICAC process," the statement said.

"This politically expedient decision further underlines the difficulties of doing business in NSW."

Mr O'Farrell made the announcement on Monday following recommendations from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

He said no compensation would be provided for the cancellation of the licences and the legislation would indemnify taxpayers from any possible claims relating to the issuing or cancellation of the licences.

Coal companies embroiled in the ICAC inquiry into the corrupt dealings around the granting of the licences had asked the state government not to strike out their mining licences.

"This draws a line under this sorry saga of Labor politics and corruption in NSW," Mr O'Farrell's office said in a statement.

"There is no intention to immediately re-release the affected areas but any future process for issuing licences will be consistent with the NSW government's implementation of the ICAC's recommendations on probity."

ICAC recommended in December that the licences be cancelled.

The recommendation came months after it handed down corruption findings against former Labor MP Eddie Obeid, former mining minister Ian Macdonald and union official John Maitland.

Following the findings, Mr O'Farrell gave current holders of the mining licences a month to convince the government not to cancel them.

Cascade Coal, which has the Mount Penny and Glendon Brook licences, has launched a Supreme Court bid to have the ICAC report annulled.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/nsw-govt-to-cancel-mining-licences/story-fni0xqi3-1226806097852

A good diversion from their own incompetence and corruption.

And it's obviously working, if you're anything to go by.

The last 2 Posts were moved here from Politicians Suck by perceptions_now.

Kat wrote on Jan 20^th, 2014 at 7:39pm:

A good diversion from their own incompetence and corruption. And it's obviously working, if you're anything to go by.

how bad is this comment... unbelievable..

what a shame you dont have the power to remove some posters perc...their sickness is a disgrace to these boards..

it brings Pol SUx into the gutter.

cods wrote on Jan 20^th, 2014 at 7:56pm:

Kat wrote on Jan 20th, 2014 at 7:39pm: A good diversion from their own incompetence and corruption. And it's obviously working, if you're anything to go by. how bad is this comment... unbelievable.. what a shame you dont have the power to remove some posters perc...their sickness is a disgrace to these boards.. it brings Pol SUx into the gutter.

You do a FAR better job of that than I, luv, with your patently stupid and/or completely
indecipherable comments.

You've been told before, if you don't like my comments, then don't bloody read them.

You seem to find that easy when it comes to facts or criticism.

It's not as if the licence cancellations are actions that O'Farrell thought out and acted on of his own accord - he was acting on recommendations made by ICAC last year.

Still, we should be thankful that O'Farrell did act on those recommendations, after all, it isn't often that he does something.

cods wrote on Jan 20^th, 2014 at 7:52pm:

perceptions_now wrote on Jan 20th, 2014 at 7:48pm: He is highly deserving & I hope he gets exactly what he deserves, if you get my meaning! what is sad.. nothing can undo what he has got away with..the best we can hope for is it never ever happens again..the ALP has to be more vigilant..its not about votes..its about integrity...to have allowed this scum to be a part of their empire...is shameful.. I just do not believe NO ONE KNEW..from the leaders down they all knew.... and eh got away with it... HOW COME?.. what is the culture of the ALP.. to turn a blind eye to such a person? that should read persons..it goes for the union people as well..

A few observations -
1) We can undo, what he got away with & we can do so, for most issues, BUT WE DO NEED THE WILL TO DO SO!
2) You are correct, Labor needs to be more vigilant, as do the Liberals.
3) I agree, this stuff IS KNOWN, it is known by both major party's AND IT WON'T STOP UNTIL WE ALL SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! 

A little for everyone in this.

The NSW Premier has announced that 3 coal licences corruptly granted in the Hunter by bent Lab kingpins Obied and McDonald will be cancelled without compensation.

Now we just need proceeds of crime legislation to be applied to these sleaseballs and I'll be all smiles for the rest of  the week.

Good job, Barry. Nice to see Labor corruption will not go unpunished in NSW anymore.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 11:40am:

Good job, Barry. Nice to see Labor corruption will not go unpunished in NSW anymore.

;D ;D ;D Were's bobby with hang high!    ;D ;D

I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts.

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 12:18pm:

I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts.

Do you think it's the right thing or the wrong thing to cancel the licences ?  ;)

woody2014 wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 12:26pm:

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:18pm: I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts. Do you think it's the right thing or the wrong thing to cancel the licences ?  ;)

Well that depends on how influential the corruption was on the deal. Was it the cream, or the cake ?
How implicit were the mining companies. ?

I dont know enough about it, but I cant see a mining company which has invested millions and spend millions over the past year or two, not expected some compensation for a government decision against it.

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 12:34pm:

woody2014 wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:26pm: Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:18pm: I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts. Do you think it's the right thing or the wrong thing to cancel the licences ?  ;) Well that depends on how influential the corruption was on the deal. Was it the cream, or the cake ? How implicit were the mining companies. ? I dont know enough about it, but I cant see a mining company which has invested millions and spend millions over the past year or two, not expected some compensation for a government decision against it.

Ok it's easy to see were your coming from,   The ICAC has been in the media for months about the corruption of licence allocation's    ;D ;D ;D  Members of the labor party involved  ;D ;D ;D

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 12:18pm:

I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts.

None, the legislation will indemnify taxpayers.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 12:52pm:

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:18pm: I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts. None, the legislation will indemnify taxpayers.

I think Jolley is talking about...you know...under the table stuff...brown paper envelopes that sort of thing...just like the last NSW government...  ::)

woody2014 wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 12:45pm:

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:34pm: woody2014 wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:26pm: Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:18pm: I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts. Do you think it's the right thing or the wrong thing to cancel the licences ?  ;) Well that depends on how influential the corruption was on the deal. Was it the cream, or the cake ? How implicit were the mining companies. ? I dont know enough about it, but I cant see a mining company which has invested millions and spend millions over the past year or two, not expected some compensation for a government decision against it. Ok it's easy to see were your coming from,   The ICAC has been in the media for months about the corruption of licence allocation's    ;D ;D ;D  Members of the labor party involved  ;D ;D ;D

All politicians are libel to be corrupt, both sides of politics. I usually ignore these  politically motivated media witch hunts until the ICAC delivers its final findings. Have they ?

Its seems pretty clear their was corruption by the labor government, but is the suspension of contracts without compensation even legal ?

This could be tied up in courts for years, and you know what will happen... Once the media heat dies down, the government will roll over and pay up.

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 1:17pm:

woody2014 wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:45pm: Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:34pm: woody2014 wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:26pm: Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:18pm: I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts. Do you think it's the right thing or the wrong thing to cancel the licences ?  ;) Well that depends on how influential the corruption was on the deal. Was it the cream, or the cake ? How implicit were the mining companies. ? I dont know enough about it, but I cant see a mining company which has invested millions and spend millions over the past year or two, not expected some compensation for a government decision against it. Ok it's easy to see were your coming from,   The ICAC has been in the media for months about the corruption of licence allocation's    ;D ;D ;D  Members of the labor party involved  ;D ;D ;D All politicians are libel to be corrupt, both sides of politics. I usually ignore these  politically motivated media witch hunts until the ICAC delivers its final findings. Have they ? Its seems pretty clear their was corruption by the labor government, but is the suspension of contracts without compensation even legal ? This could be tied up in courts for years, and you know what will happen... Once the media heat dies down, the government will roll over and pay up.

so your happy with the status quo  Qbeid and his mob of bastard get another bucket load of cash   !  To the tune of 100s of millons   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

The last 11 Posts were moved here from Politicians Suck by perceptions_now.

woody2014 wrote on Jan 21^st, 2014 at 1:24pm:

Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 1:17pm: woody2014 wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:45pm: Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:34pm: woody2014 wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:26pm: Doctor Jolly wrote on Jan 21st, 2014 at 12:18pm: I bet there will be a fair bit of "compensation" paid to the mining companies by the end of this. Whether it be cash, or preferential treatment in new contracts. Do you think it's the right thing or the wrong thing to cancel the licences ?  ;) Well that depends on how influential the corruption was on the deal. Was it the cream, or the cake ? How implicit were the mining companies. ? I dont know enough about it, but I cant see a mining company which has invested millions and spend millions over the past year or two, not expected some compensation for a government decision against it. Ok it's easy to see were your coming from,   The ICAC has been in the media for months about the corruption of licence allocation's    ;D ;D ;D  Members of the labor party involved  ;D ;D ;D All politicians are libel to be corrupt, both sides of politics. I usually ignore these  politically motivated media witch hunts until the ICAC delivers its final findings. Have they ? Its seems pretty clear their was corruption by the labor government, but is the suspension of contracts without compensation even legal ? This could be tied up in courts for years, and you know what will happen... Once the media heat dies down, the government will roll over and pay up. so your happy with the status quo  Qbeid and his mob of bastard get another bucket load of cash   !  To the tune of 100s of millons   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

screw them... I did read where those who have nothing whatever to do with OBEID>. urk... can sue him and McDonald..because they are about to lose zillions...

now that I would like to see....

the licence were gained via fraud.. yes its right and proper they are taken away from them...imagine letting Bond and Skase keep all the holdings they got with money they didnt have...ridiculous.