Hunter whistleblower's five-year wait for action over alleged planning breaches

Rebecca Connor, at home in Stockton, whose complaints about the Hunter Department of Planning's handling of mining titles led to her sacking in 2018. She awaits the release of a NSW Ombudsman report following a five-year investigation. Picture by Jonathan Carroll

THE release of a NSW Ombudsman's report into the sacking of Hunter Department of Planning whistleblower Rebecca Connor may be another year away, long after the 2023 March state election, critics say.

The report is expected to cover allegations of bribery, fraud, theft and corruption risks, including the acceptance of cash for mining title applications, at the department's Maitland office.