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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Lisa Cox and Penry Buckley

‘Disgraceful’: Geoffrey Watson accuses Minns government of overturning high court ruling on coalmine

Geoffrey Watson SC gives evidence during the CFMEU construction industry inquiry in Brisbane on 23 April 2026
Geoffrey Watson SC has lashed the New South Wales government decision to move special legislation to increase coal production at a Hunter Valley mine at the centre of a landmark High Court decision. Photograph: Lyndon Mechielsen/AAP

Barrister and anti-corruption campaigner Geoffrey Watson SC has lashed the New South Wales government over its “disgraceful” plan to adopt special laws allowing increased coal production at a Hunter Valley coalmine.

The high court ruled earlier this month the approval of the Mount Pleasant mine in Muswellbrook was invalid.

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