Latest news with #Barossa
Arabian Post
16 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Abu Dhabi Bid for Santos Sparks Energy Sovereignty Debate
Santos Ltd's board of directors has endorsed a US $18.7 billion cash offer from an Abu Dhabi-led consortium, pledging immediate relief for stretched gas markets but plunging Australia into a high-stakes national interest conflict. The bid, sponsored by ADNOC's investment arm XRG alongside ADQ and Carlyle, offers A$8.89 per share—a 28 per cent premium to Santos's market value—while assuming A$36.4 billion in enterprise debt. It marks the largest all‑cash takeover ever in Australia. Investors have reacted with caution: Santos shares rallied nearly 11 per cent upon news of the bid but remain significantly below the offer price, reflecting deep concern over regulatory approval. Analysts warn that the deal's fate now hinges on the Foreign Investment Review Board and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, whose approval will weigh economic gain against strategic control of critical energy infrastructure. ADVERTISEMENT Proponents emphasise that ADNOC's financial strength can catalyse development of Santos's undeveloped assets—including Narrabri and shale projects like Beetaloo—and help mitigate an anticipated east‑coast gas shortage by 2027. With ADNOC targeting 20–25 million tonnes per annum of LNG capacity by 2035, acquiring Santos's stakes in Gladstone, Darwin and PNG LNG represents a strategic alignment for both parties. However, a chorus of concern has emerged over the implications for domestic energy sovereignty. The high concentration of export‑oriented gas supply—over 70 per cent in Queensland—raises alarms that ADNOC might prioritise LNG sales over local consumption, deepening east‑coast supply pressures. RenewEconomy warns that 'if ADNOC's focus is primarily on LNG markets, it will likely seek to export as much gas as possible'. Australian Energy Producers, which counts Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher as a board member, has yet to publicly weigh in, but the Australian Energy Market Operator has flagged potential domestic shortfalls by late decade if projects like Barossa and Narrabri are delayed. Political figures are sharpening oversight. South Australia's energy minister, Tom Koutsantonis, invoked state power to oversee licence transfers, while Treasurer Chalmers cautioned that the deal 'would be a big decision' and pledged not to pre‑empt FIRB's findings. Historical precedents include the federal government blocking Shell's bid for Woodside in 2001 and the NSW Ausgrid sale in 2016—illustrating a willingness to restrict foreign control of strategic infrastructure. From Adelaide to Canberra, voices across politics and industry are watching keenly. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas stressed that the headquarters and local workforce must be retained; this position is reinforced by new state laws granting oversight over petroleum licence assignments. On the investor side, divergent assessments persist. UBS analysts see ADNOC's deep pockets as a positive, while others like Evans & Partners downgraded Santos stock, suggesting investors might prefer Woodside, citing superior oil market positioning. The bid aligns with Australia‑UAE economic ties following a free trade agreement, yet regulatory scrutiny is expected to be heightened due to the sovereign‑state nature of ADNOC. Approval would mark a milestone in Australia's economic evolution, yet rejection—or imposition of conditions like domestic supply carve‑outs—could serve as a policy catalyst in securing energy infrastructure for public benefit. This takeover bid places domestic energy security at the centre of policymaking, challenging Australia to find balance between foreign investment and safeguarding its energy future.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BW Offshore: First quarter results 2025
First quarter results 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Q1 EBITDA USD of 91 million and operating cashflow of USD 57 million Sale of BW Pioneer for USD 125 million Received USD 36 million arbitration settlement in April, USD 21 million recognised in EBITDA Robust balance sheet with an equity ratio of 30.9% and USD 542 million in available liquidity Q1 cash dividend of USD 0.063 per share BW Opal departed the shipyard in Singapore 28 May Full-year 2025 EBITDA guidance maintained in the range of USD 220-250 million BW Offshore is nearing completion of the Barossa project well within the updated budget. On 28 May, the FPSO BW Opal departed the shipyard in Singapore and is currently enroute to the field where hook-up and connection will be undertaken. The FPSO is on track for first gas within the third quarter. The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of USD 0.063 per share. The shares will trade ex-dividend from 4 June 2025. Shareholders recorded in VPS following the close of trading on Oslo Børs on 3 June 2025, will be entitled to the distribution payable on or around 12 June 2025. 'The BW Opal is on its way to the Barossa field to start producing gas under the 15-year contract, providing material earnings and cash flow to BW Offshore from later this year,' said Marco Beenen, CEO of BW Offshore. 'At the same time, we continue to mature selected potential FPSO projects that meet our criteria, with solid counterparties and long-term investment horizons. Our growth strategy is supported by a strong balance sheet, high commercial uptime and robust cash generation from the existing fleet.' In late March, the Company completed the sale of FPSO BW Pioneer to Murphy Oil for USD 125 million and received an initial USD 100 million of the proceeds. The remaining USD 25 million was received in the second quarter upon meeting all conditions precedent. The two parties signed a five-year O&M contract, under which BW Offshore will continue to provide operations and maintenance services. In early April, BW Offshore received approximately USD 36 million including interest, after settling the arbitration with PRIO (formerly Petrorio) related to the FPSO Polvo lease dispute. This led to the recognition of USD 21 million of additional revenue and EBITDA in the first quarter accounts. FINANCIALSEBITDA for the first quarter of 2025 was USD 91.3 million (USD 71.9 million in Q4 2024), reflecting good operational performance and the arbitration settlement with PRIO. EBIT for the first quarter was USD 73.7 million (USD 30.8 million). Gain from sale of fixed assets was USD 14.8 million and relates to the sale of BW Pioneer. Net financial items were positive at USD 10.4 million (USD 19.4 million in Q4 2024). This included a net interest income of USD 1.1 million, which reflects USD 4.1 million of interest earned on the arbitration settlement with PRIO (net interest expense of USD 3.0 million). Both first quarter 2025 and fourth quarter 2024 were positively impacted by a valuation gain on the financial liability related to the Barossa project. This was driven by changes in the timing of expected future cash flows due to a later planned start-up of the facility, as well as a favourable mark-to-market adjustment on interest rate hedges. The share of loss from equity-accounted investments was USD 4.6 million, including a valuation adjustment on the Barossa finance receivable related to changes in timing of future expected cash flows (loss of USD 9.5 million). Tax expense was USD 17.3 million (tax income USD 0.1 million). The increase in tax expenses is mainly due to tax on the sale of BW Pioneer. Net profit for the first quarter increased to USD 62.2 million (USD 40.8 million). Total equity at 31 March 2025 was USD 1 271.7 million (USD 1 246.6 million) and the equity ratio was 30.9% at (30.8%). As a result of strong cash generation from the fleet and asset sales, the Company was net cash positive by USD 184.3 million at 31 March 2025 (USD 74.4 million net cash positive at the end of 2024). Available liquidity was USD 542 million, excluding consolidated cash from BW Ideol and including USD 100 million available under the corporate loan facility. FPSO OPERATIONSThe FPSO fleet continued to deliver stable operations in the quarter with a weighted average fleet uptime of 100.0% (99.2% in the fourth quarter), including BW Pioneer. BW Adolo contributed positively through the volume-based tariff as production increased to approximately 39,000 barrels per day in the quarter and BW Catcher continued to maintain high commercial uptime. On 20 May 2025, BW Energy Gabon took over operations of the FPSO BW Adolo. BW Offshore continues to lease the unit under the same terms, excluding O&M services. A USD 100 million put-and-call option remains in place for 2028. The transition is ongoing and will be supported by both parties through 30 June 2025. FPSO PROJECT OPPORTUNITIESIn January, BW Offshore was selected to perform the pre-FEED study for the Bay du Nord FPSO project by Equinor. The Company also progressed the FEED for Repsol's Block 29 development in Mexico. Due to the current high activity related to FPSO-based development projects, BW Offshore recently acquired the FPSO Nganhurra. The vessel has a high-quality hull, well suited for installation of a new topside. Reusing existing energy production infrastructure reduces environmental impact, is cost efficient and enables shorter lead time from project sanction to first oil. The acquisition involves a limited upfront payment, with additional consideration linked to redeployment by June 2027. The unit enhances BW Offshore's ability to respond to emerging project opportunities and strengthens its position in a supply-constrained market. FLOATING ENERGY TRANSITION SOLUTIONSBW Offshore is committed to contribute to the energy transition by leveraging FPSO expertise to deliver low-carbon energy and expand into new sectors, focusing on low-emission oil and gas, CO2 transport, gas-to-power and floating ammonia to meet evolving energy demands. The Company maintains a disciplined approach with selective and diligent allocation of capital and a commitment to creating shareholder value. BW Offshore owns 64% of BW Ideol, a leader in offshore floating wind technology and co-development with over 14 years of experience in the development of floating wind projects. A shareholder loan of EUR 6.7 million has been provided to support the company's operations over the next 12 months. The 1 GW Buchan offshore wind project in Scotland recently held its third and final public consulting round as part of the preparation for the final consent application later this year. In France, work continued on the three floating substructures for the Eolmed floating wind pilot with installation of the transition pieces which will hold the wind turbines. Commissioning of the three floating turbines is expected by end of 2025. OUTLOOK Growing energy demand continues to drive interest in developing new infrastructure-type FPSO projects with long production profiles, low break-even costs, and a focus on lower emissions. Increased project complexity, combined with higher construction costs, necessitates financial structures with significant day rate prepayments during the construction period for new lease and operate projects. Alternatively, oil and gas majors may finance and own FPSOs, relying on FPSO specialists for the design, construction and installation scope, combined with operation and maintenance services. BW Offshore is well positioned to offer both solutions. In recent years, the number of sanctioned FPSO projects have lagged market expectations. Consequently, there is a growing number of projects at various stages of maturity, reflecting a pent-up demand for FPSOs. Increased FEED and tendering activity are a function of this, and BW Offshore expects that a number of the FPSO projects the Company is engaging with will reach a final investment decision over the next 36 months. These market dynamics, combined with the high level of expertise required for project execution, are expected to enable better risk-reward and improved margins for FPSO companies going forward. BW Offshore continues to selectively evaluate new projects that meet required return targets, offer contracts with no residual value risk after firm period, and provide a financeable structure with strong national or investment-grade counterparties. BW Offshore expects that the fleet will continue to generate significant cash flows in the time ahead, supported by the USD 5.4 billion firm contract backlog at the end of March 2025. Please see attached the Q1 Presentation. The earnings tables are available at: BW Offshore will host a webcast of the financial results 09:00 (CEST) today. The presentation will be given by CEO Marco Beenen and CFO Ståle Andreassen. Webcast information:You can follow the presentation via webcast with supporting slides and a Q&A module, available on: BW Offshore Limited – Q1 Presentation Webcast Please note, that if you follow the webcast via the above URL, you will experience a 30 second delay compared to the main conference call. The web page works best in an updated browser - Chrome is recommended. For further information, please contact:Ståle Andreassen, CFO, +47 91 71 86 55IR@ or About BW Offshore: BW Offshore engineers innovative floating production solutions. The Company has a fleet of FPSOs with potential and ambition to grow. By leveraging four decades of offshore operations and project execution, the Company creates tailored offshore energy solutions for evolving markets world-wide. BW Offshore has around 1,100 employees and is publicly listed on the Oslo stock exchange. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading 2025 Q1 PresentationError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Councillor told to resign after heated backlash to 'First Nations snub' - but he says there's more to the story
A South Australian council has turned on one of its own after a councillor was accused of walking out of Acknowledgement of Country speeches and a smoking ceremony. Barossa Council last Tuesday voted in favour of a motion that councillor Bruce Preece resign without delay following four separate complaints about his politically incorrect behaviour. The council brought in law firm Kelledy Jones to investigate the complaints at a cost to ratepayers of $47,000, the ABC reported. The Kelledy Jones report found Mr Preece had walked out of Acknowledgement of Country speeches on five occasions and also during a smoking ceremony on Australia Day last year. Another complaint involved him using the homophobic slur 'poofter' in a conversation about AFL player Jeremy Finlayson's suspension. Barossa Council also ordered Mr Preece to publicly apologise and attend behavioural training, as per the report's recommendations. Mr Preece said the investigation had been unfair and that he would appeal the matter to the state ombudsman. 'I believe one of the great pillars of Australian society and the way our country is run is that we have the rule of law, we have the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty and that those accused of wrongdoing are given procedural fairness in the ensuing investigations,' he said. The report found Mr Preece walking out during five Acknowledgment of Country services in 2023 was deliberate and calculated. A complainant said his actions were 'disruptive and contemptuous as well as disrespectful and discriminatory, on the basis that the Acknowledgement of Country is a public demonstration of respect to the First Nations of Australia and is a longstanding element of council's meeting procedure'. The report also said he allegedly turned his back on a smoking ceremony at a 2024 Australia Day event being performed by Uncle Quentin Agius. 'For an extended period of time Cr Preece stood 'with his back facing the stage,' the complaint alleged. The councillor was also alleged to have been heard by some attendees saying 'they shouldn't be allowed to have that smoke, they shouldn't be allowed to do that ... it's so wrong', 'it smells disgusting' and 'people can't breathe because of all that smoke'. Another complaint alleged Mr Preece had blindsided the council by announcing to the local paper in December 2023 that he would be bringing in a motion to discontinue the Acknowledgements of Country at council events and meetings. In response to the allegations, Mr Preece's lawyer said he had walked out of the Acknowledgements of Country to either get his reading glasses from his car or go to the bathroom, having recently had a battle with bowel cancer. He said his client had turned his back on the smoking ceremony to assist an elderly woman who was coughing, and that, regarding the newspaper article, he was not required to 'foreshadow' raising a motion with other councillors. Regarding the the homophobic slur, Mr Preece's lawyer said he was pursuing a 'stick and stones' type argument, but accepted the pursuit of the debate 'may not have been appropriate to the context and apologies for any offence caused'. He made the comment ahead of a Gawler River Floodplain Management Authority meeting regarding Port Adelaide AFL player Jeremy Finlayson being suspended for saying the word 'poofter' on the field. According to the complaint, Mr Preece was 'outraged' the word had caused the suspension and claimed he had been a victim of the same slur on the footy field, adding he was 'sick' of society telling him what was ok to say.
Daily Telegraph
30-05-2025
- General
- Daily Telegraph
Councillor reprimanded after walking out of Indigenous ceremony
Don't miss out on the headlines from Leaders. Followed categories will be added to My News. A South Australian councillor has been called on to resign by his colleagues after he was accused of walking out during the Acknowledgement of Country and turning his back on a smoking ceremony at a Welcome to Country. Barossa councillor Bruce Preece was also alleged to have used the homophobic slur 'poofter' in 2024, in a conversation defending suspended Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson's use of the word. Councillor Preece says he's been denied procedural fairness and plans to appeal against any findings made against him. Another complaint alleged that he had blindsided colleagues by appearing on the front page of the local newspaper in December 2023 in a story announcing he would be bringing forward a motion to discontinue the Acknowledgement of Country at council meetings and events. Barossa Council received a behavioural complaint from two councillors and one unnamed individual against Cr Preece in April last year regarding the four allegations. The council spent $47,000 investigating the matter, according to public documents, with a report by law firm Kelledy Jones concluding that he had breached numerous Behavioural Standards for Council Members and recommending he be reprimanded, attend relevant training and issue a public apology. The council voted in favour of the motions at its meeting on May 20, calling on Cr Preece to resign 'forthwith'. Cr Preece told the meeting that he had been denied procedural fairness in the investigation, and would appeal to the state ombudsman. 'I believe one of the great pillars of Australian society and the way our country is run is that we have the rule of law, we have the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty and that those accused of wrongdoing are given procedural fairness in the ensuing investigations,' he said. Barossa councillor Bruce Preece. Picture: Tait Schmaal Cr Preece declined to comment further when reached on Friday. According to Kelledy Jones' report, Cr Preece walked out during council's Acknowledgement of Country on five occasions in 2023 in a 'deliberate and calculated' manner. Cr Preece's actions were 'disruptive and contemptuous as well as disrespectful and discriminatory, on the basis that the Acknowledgement of Country is a public demonstration of respect to the First Nations of Australia and is a longstanding element of council's meeting procedure', the complaint read. At council's Australia Day event in 2024 at Tanunda Show Hall, Cr Preece was accused of getting up from his seat and walking away from the crowd after a smoking ceremony by Uncle Quenten Agius to wait in line at a coffee van, chatting with another person and standing with his back to the speaker 'for an extended period of time'. The complaint 'submits that Cr Preece's positioning and body language conveyed contempt and it appeared to be a calculated and deliberately public display of disrespect and repudiation directed towards our guest speaker'. He was alleged to have been heard by a number of attendees saying words to the effect of 'they shouldn't be allowed to have that smoke, they shouldn't be allowed to do that, it's so wrong', 'it's disgusting, it smells disgusting' and 'people can't breathe, they can't breathe because of all that smoke'. Cr Preece, who was elected to council in November 2022, spoke to The Barossa Leader newspaper in December 2023 ahead of bringing a motion to discontinue the Acknowledgement of Country. The complaint alleged that 'the manner in which Cr Preece brought this matter forward resulted in elected members becoming aware of the motion via the local newspaper in the first instance, which fails to meet his obligations under the Behavioural Standards in establishing and maintaining relationships of respect, trust, collaboration and co-operation with fellow elected members'. Uncle Quenten Agius. Picture: Matt Loxton/AAP In April 2024, ahead of a meeting of the Gawler River Floodplain Management Authority (GRFMA) at Adelaide Hills Council's Kersbrook Sporting Complex, in his capacity as a GRFMA board member, Cr Preece was allegedly 'engaged in friendly football banter' with two individuals when he raised the recent 'Jeremy Finlayson homophobic slur' incident. 'Very vocally, in an audible voice heard by those beyond the conversation, Cr Preece spoke certain, similar, words to those purportedly used by Mr Finlayson, that the complainant submits were offensive and inappropriate,' the complaint read. 'The complainant asserts that Cr Preece seemed 'outraged' that you couldn't call someone a 'poofter' and reminded him that his use of that word was not appropriate.' The complainant alleged that despite being told to stop, Cr Preece then 'doubled down on his comments raised his voice louder and said he was sick of our society telling him what he could and couldn't say and if he wanted to call someone a poofter he should be able to, after all he was referred to that on the football field many times'. In his response to the investigation, Cr Preece's lawyer said his client was 'making a sticks and stones type argument' but 'accepts that his pursuit of the argument may not have been appropriate to the context and apologises for any offence caused'. Regarding the allegation of walking out during the Acknowledgement of Country, Cr Preece's representative submitted that he has had 'a battle with bowel cancer his need to go to the bathroom can be immediate' and on other occasions he had left the chamber to get his spare reading glasses from his car. He denied deliberately turning his back during the Australia Day smoking ceremony, saying he had noticed there was an elderly citizen who was coughing due to the smoke and went over to see if she needed assistance. And in response to the complaint about the newspaper article, Cr Preece maintained he was within his rights to raise a notice of motion without 'foreshadowing' to other members. Barossa Mayor Bim Lange. Picture: Russell Millard Photography Kelledy Jones found that Cr Preece's explanation for leaving the chamber during the Acknowledgement of Country was 'disingenuous', and that his explanation of the Australia Day incident did 'not address what was said to be his rude and offensive comments made at the time'. The law firm also found that Cr Preece 'made the homophobic comments as alleged, and when challenged regarding the same, asserted his right to do so, blanketed as 'free speech''. 'It is highly inappropriate and offensive for a member of the council to act in such manner, particularly when they are an 'ambassador' for their council, causing embarrassment and offending others present, which actions persisted, even when they were raised with him,' it said. Emotional councillors vented their fury at Cr Preece during last Tuesday's meeting. 'I have never, ever called upon someone to resign, but such is the seriousness of it,' Cr John Angas said. Cr Dave de Vries added, 'I'm actually surprised how emotional I'm getting about this … it's just so distressing. The enormity of what's happening is just starting to hit home.' Cr Jess Greatwich, council's representative to the local Rainbow Network, said she was 'apoplectic with fury when I read this complaint — I had to go and walk around the block and make myself a cup of tea'. 'I'm still furious and I am so sad,' she said. Cr Cathy Troup suggested 'Indigenous and cultural awareness training in this specific incident could be very beneficial'. 'Sometimes we just don't know what we don't know, and I do think this could give Cr Preece a chance to just, you know, think about the way he thinks,' she said. Barossa Mayor Bim Lange told the ABC on Thursday council's decision was about policies rather than politics. 'It's disappointing that this has occurred, but I believe that council is engaging with First Nations, looking at all the things associated with their history and it's just about showing respect,' he said. 'People can have personal views — I don't hold a grudge against that — but when we've set some policies and some principles on our behaviour, I think it's important we demonstrate that to the wider community.' A number of councils have voted to cancel Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country ceremonies following the defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023, including South Australia's Northern Areas Council, the City of Playford and Naracoorte Lucindale Council. Several others have knocked down motions seeking to end the practice, including the Shire of Harvey in Western Australia, Sydney's Cumberland City Council and Flinders Council in Tasmania earlier this week. Originally published as Councillor reprimanded after walking out, turnng back on Indigenous ceremonies
News.com.au
30-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Councillor reprimanded after walking out, turnng back on Indigenous ceremonies
A South Australian councillor has been called on to resign by his colleagues after he was accused of walking out during the Acknowledgement of Country and turning his back on a smoking ceremony at a Welcome to Country. Barossa councillor Bruce Preece was also alleged to have used the homophobic slur 'poofter' in 2024, in a conversation defending suspended Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson's use of the word. Councillor Preece says he's been denied procedural fairness and plans to appeal against any findings made against him. Another complaint alleged that he had blindsided colleagues by appearing on the front page of the local newspaper in December 2023 in a story announcing he would be bringing forward a motion to discontinue the Acknowledgement of Country at council meetings and events. Barossa Council received a behavioural complaint from two councillors and one unnamed individual against Cr Preece in April last year regarding the four allegations. The council spent $47,000 investigating the matter, according to public documents, with a report by law firm Kelledy Jones concluding that he had breached numerous Behavioural Standards for Council Members and recommending he be reprimanded, attend relevant training and issue a public apology. The council voted in favour of the motions at its meeting on May 20, calling on Cr Preece to resign 'forthwith'. Cr Preece told the meeting that he had been denied procedural fairness in the investigation, and would appeal to the state ombudsman. 'I believe one of the great pillars of Australian society and the way our country is run is that we have the rule of law, we have the principle that people are innocent until proven guilty and that those accused of wrongdoing are given procedural fairness in the ensuing investigations,' he said. Cr Preece declined to comment further when reached on Friday. According to Kelledy Jones' report, Cr Preece walked out during council's Acknowledgement of Country on five occasions in 2023 in a 'deliberate and calculated' manner. Cr Preece's actions were 'disruptive and contemptuous as well as disrespectful and discriminatory, on the basis that the Acknowledgement of Country is a public demonstration of respect to the First Nations of Australia and is a longstanding element of council's meeting procedure', the complaint read. At council's Australia Day event in 2024 at Tanunda Show Hall, Cr Preece was accused of getting up from his seat and walking away from the crowd after a smoking ceremony by Uncle Quenten Agius to wait in line at a coffee van, chatting with another person and standing with his back to the speaker 'for an extended period of time'. The complaint 'submits that Cr Preece's positioning and body language conveyed contempt and it appeared to be a calculated and deliberately public display of disrespect and repudiation directed towards our guest speaker'. He was alleged to have been heard by a number of attendees saying words to the effect of 'they shouldn't be allowed to have that smoke, they shouldn't be allowed to do that, it's so wrong', 'it's disgusting, it smells disgusting' and 'people can't breathe, they can't breathe because of all that smoke'. Cr Preece, who was elected to council in November 2022, spoke to The Barossa Leader newspaper in December 2023 ahead of bringing a motion to discontinue the Acknowledgement of Country. The complaint alleged that 'the manner in which Cr Preece brought this matter forward resulted in elected members becoming aware of the motion via the local newspaper in the first instance, which fails to meet his obligations under the Behavioural Standards in establishing and maintaining relationships of respect, trust, collaboration and co-operation with fellow elected members'. In April 2024, ahead of a meeting of the Gawler River Floodplain Management Authority (GRFMA) at Adelaide Hills Council's Kersbrook Sporting Complex, in his capacity as a GRFMA board member, Cr Preece was allegedly 'engaged in friendly football banter' with two individuals when he raised the recent 'Jeremy Finlayson homophobic slur' incident. 'Very vocally, in an audible voice heard by those beyond the conversation, Cr Preece spoke certain, similar, words to those purportedly used by Mr Finlayson, that the complainant submits were offensive and inappropriate,' the complaint read. 'The complainant asserts that Cr Preece seemed 'outraged' that you couldn't call someone a 'poofter' and reminded him that his use of that word was not appropriate.' The complainant alleged that despite being told to stop, Cr Preece then 'doubled down on his comments raised his voice louder and said he was sick of our society telling him what he could and couldn't say and if he wanted to call someone a poofter he should be able to, after all he was referred to that on the football field many times'. In his response to the investigation, Cr Preece's lawyer said his client was 'making a sticks and stones type argument' but 'accepts that his pursuit of the argument may not have been appropriate to the context and apologises for any offence caused'. Regarding the allegation of walking out during the Acknowledgement of Country, Cr Preece's representative submitted that he has had 'a battle with bowel cancer his need to go to the bathroom can be immediate' and on other occasions he had left the chamber to get his spare reading glasses from his car. He denied deliberately turning his back during the Australia Day smoking ceremony, saying he had noticed there was an elderly citizen who was coughing due to the smoke and went over to see if she needed assistance. And in response to the complaint about the newspaper article, Cr Preece maintained he was within his rights to raise a notice of motion without 'foreshadowing' to other members. Kelledy Jones found that Cr Preece's explanation for leaving the chamber during the Acknowledgement of Country was 'disingenuous', and that his explanation of the Australia Day incident did 'not address what was said to be his rude and offensive comments made at the time'. The law firm also found that Cr Preece 'made the homophobic comments as alleged, and when challenged regarding the same, asserted his right to do so, blanketed as 'free speech''. 'It is highly inappropriate and offensive for a member of the council to act in such manner, particularly when they are an 'ambassador' for their council, causing embarrassment and offending others present, which actions persisted, even when they were raised with him,' it said. Emotional councillors vented their fury at Cr Preece during last Tuesday's meeting. 'I have never, ever called upon someone to resign, but such is the seriousness of it,' Cr John Angas said. Cr Dave de Vries added, 'I'm actually surprised how emotional I'm getting about this … it's just so distressing. The enormity of what's happening is just starting to hit home.' Cr Jess Greatwich, council's representative to the local Rainbow Network, said she was 'apoplectic with fury when I read this complaint — I had to go and walk around the block and make myself a cup of tea'. 'I'm still furious and I am so sad,' she said. Cr Cathy Troup suggested 'Indigenous and cultural awareness training in this specific incident could be very beneficial'. 'Sometimes we just don't know what we don't know, and I do think this could give Cr Preece a chance to just, you know, think about the way he thinks,' she said. Barossa Mayor Bim Lange told the ABC on Thursday council's decision was about policies rather than politics. 'It's disappointing that this has occurred, but I believe that council is engaging with First Nations, looking at all the things associated with their history and it's just about showing respect,' he said. 'People can have personal views — I don't hold a grudge against that — but when we've set some policies and some principles on our behaviour, I think it's important we demonstrate that to the wider community.' A number of councils have voted to cancel Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country ceremonies following the defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023, including South Australia's Northern Areas Council, the City of Playford and Naracoorte Lucindale Council. Several others have knocked down motions seeking to end the practice, including the Shire of Harvey in Western Australia, Sydney's Cumberland City Council and Flinders Council in Tasmania earlier this week.
