Mike Newman was questioned over his spending habits during his 28-month stint as a senior trade commissioner in Japan, with one executive rejecting a $211 bill for lunch.
Governments in NSW have for years felt it prudent to establish an independent assessment framework for major mining projects, so such decisions are taken out of the hands of politicians.
Despite being reinstated to Kellie Sloane’s shadow ministry, the former Perrottet-era minister faces an increasingly likely challenge from within the party’s right.
The NSW government will step in to allow production at the Mount Pleasant coal mine to be increased by 4 million tonnes per year until 2032.
Mike Newman racked up $211,000 in taxpayer-funded flights, five-star hotels and restaurant and bar bills in 28 months as a senior trade commissioner to Japan.
There are certainly those in One Nation aware that they cannot afford to be perceived as a reincarnation of the Liberals.
Familiar faces linked to a potential upper house ticket spot include Katherine Deves, the anti-trans campaigner Scott Morrison picked for the Liberals’ disastrous 2022 tilt for Warringah.
The populist right-wing party says it won’t submit policies for budget costing ahead of the NSW election despite pressure from Labor and the Coalition.
The Minns government is increasing the pressure on One Nation to submit its policies for formal costings.
Local government will be covered by lobbying rules for the first time as the Minns government announces a suite of changes including new investigative powers.
