Latest news with #YasminCatley
SBS Australia
10 hours ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Why these empty seats could lead to arrest warrants for a state premier's staff members
Five senior government staffers could face arrest after failing to appear at an inquiry into an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts earlier this year. In a dramatic escalation of an otherwise routine inquiry, the process to arrest the high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley was set in motion on Friday after the quintet declined to appear. Committee chair and independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers before approaching upper house president Ben Franklin to seek arrest warrants. Roberts said the president was non-committal when asked to go to the Supreme Court for the warrants, but Franklin had a "very important and very crucial decision". "All along, Labor has tried to stonewall, delay and ridicule this important inquiry," fellow committee member John Ruddick said on social media. Arrest warrants can be issued to force a witness to attend an inquiry while witnesses who refuse to answer questions can face jail time. NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman said if Minns had directed staff not to appear at the inquiry into controversial protest and hate speech legislation, "that would appear to be a breach of the ministerial code". The protest and speech laws were rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, antisemitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's north-west on 19 January. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dubbed it. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to attend, the staffers said appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Roberts said. Minns attacked the upper house on Thursday for trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "on a routine basis" as if they were "criminals and under investigation". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Minns and Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. But staffers can be forced to appear. Another staffer named in the motion, Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee because he was on leave at the time and did not attend meetings. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including at parliamentary hearings and press conferences and during question time.
The Guardian
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
NSW political staffers could be arrested after failing to appear at Dural caravan inquiry
A parliamentary committee is seeking warrants for the arrest of five New South Wales government staffers who failed to appear and give evidence to an inquiry examining the Sydney caravan 'fake terrorism plot'. The staffers – three from the office of the premier, Chris Minns, and two who work for the police minister, Yasmin Catley – were summoned to appear before the inquiry on Friday. But they did not show up. The staffers claimed – in a letter to the upper house committee chair, independent MP Rod Roberts – that they had the 'reasonable excuse or just cause' required by law to not appear. The staff members argued they were 'proxies' because Minns and Catley could not, as members of the lower house, be compelled to appear as witnesses. The inquiry – launched with the support of the Coalition, the Greens and crossbench MLCs – is examining the handling of information about the caravan plot amid concerns about whether parliament was 'misled' before controversial laws aimed at curbing antisemitism were rushed through parliament. In January, after it was announced that the caravan had been found in Dural laden with explosives, Minns said it had the potential to be a 'mass casualty event'. But in March, the Australian federal police revealed they believed it was a 'con job' by organised crime figures seeking to divert police resources and influence prosecutions. Minns has said he was briefed early on that the caravan plot 'could be something other than terrorism as it's classically defined and that no line of inquiry was being ruled out by NSW police'. The premier and the police minister refused to appear at the inquiry before the committee sought the appearance of their staffers. Friday's extraordinary decision to seek the arrest warrants could lead to the staffers being apprehended and brought before the committee to give evidence. But several steps have to be completed first. Roberts, the chair, will meet with the president of the Legislative Council, Nationals MP Ben Franklin, on Friday afternoon to submit the committee's case. Under the Parliamentary Evidence Act, if the president is satisfied that the five staffers failed to appear without just cause or reasonable excuse, the matter would be referred to a judge of the supreme court. If the judge agrees, then warrants would be issued and the staffers arrested and brought before the committee to give evidence. 'This decision follows numerous attempts by the committee over several weeks to secure the attendance of these staff by invitation and ultimately by summons,' Roberts said in a statement. The staffers summoned to appear included Minns' chief of staff, James Cullen, and two of his deputy chiefs of staff, Edward Ovadia and Sarah Michael. The police minister's chief of staff, Ross Neilson, was also summoned, along with Catley's deputy chief of staff, Tilly South. The staffers' letter to Roberts, released by the committee, stated: 'Our attendance before the select committee to give evidence would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability and comity between the houses of parliament.' Sign up to Afternoon Update Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion They pointed to an outstanding inquiry on parliamentary privilege and ethics, stating they suspected in light 'of recent events' it would consider whether compelling ministerial staff to give evidence infringed parliamentary privilege or 'offends principles' of Australia's Westminster system of government. 'In these circumstances, and particularly while the standing committee's inquiries are ongoing, we consider that there is a reasonable excuse or just cause for us to not attend the hearing, and we propose not to do so,' they wrote on Thursday. 'Given your [Roberts'] comments on breakfast radio yesterday as to the motivation for issuing the summonses, which make it clear we are 'proxies' because our respective ministers cannot be compelled as witnesses to the select committee, we also consider that they have not been properly issued.' The letter noted Ovadia had informed the committee he was on leave during the relevant period. Minns told reporters on Thursday that his staff would not appear. On Friday morning, Roberts conducted a roll call twice to empty chairs set out for the staffers before closing the hearing. Earlier in the week, the premier told 2GB radio he believed the inquiry was based on a 'giant conspiracy' led by his political opponents. Minns said summoning staffers to appear was a 'bid for some kind of relevance' by opponents. Asked if his staffers were prepared to be arrested, Minns said: 'Well, I hope it doesn't get to that. I mean, I think that would be a giant overreach. It's never happened before.' The NSW Liberal leader, Mark Speakman, was asked by reporters on Friday if the move was drastic. 'It is drastic and it's easily avoidable if they do the right thing, obey the law and appear,' he said. Minns and Catley were contacted for comment.
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Staffers face arrest after caravan plot inquiry no-show
Five senior government staffers face possible arrest in a dramatic escalation of a probe examining officials' knowledge about an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. The high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley failed to appear as summonsed on Friday at an upper house inquiry. Committee chair independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers on Friday before the committee set in motion a process to seek arrest warrants. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to appear, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Controversial protest legislation was rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged to be a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. The premier on Thursday attacked the upper house for "on a routine basis" trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. Staffers, however, can be forced to appear. The committee believes they were present during police briefings to the ministers. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee as he was on leave at the time and did not attend any meetings. The committee will ask the upper house president, independent Ben Franklin, to go to the NSW Supreme Court and seek warrants for their arrest. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including parliamentary hearings, press conferences and question time. Five senior government staffers face possible arrest in a dramatic escalation of a probe examining officials' knowledge about an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. The high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley failed to appear as summonsed on Friday at an upper house inquiry. Committee chair independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers on Friday before the committee set in motion a process to seek arrest warrants. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to appear, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Controversial protest legislation was rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged to be a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. The premier on Thursday attacked the upper house for "on a routine basis" trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. Staffers, however, can be forced to appear. The committee believes they were present during police briefings to the ministers. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee as he was on leave at the time and did not attend any meetings. The committee will ask the upper house president, independent Ben Franklin, to go to the NSW Supreme Court and seek warrants for their arrest. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including parliamentary hearings, press conferences and question time. Five senior government staffers face possible arrest in a dramatic escalation of a probe examining officials' knowledge about an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. The high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley failed to appear as summonsed on Friday at an upper house inquiry. Committee chair independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers on Friday before the committee set in motion a process to seek arrest warrants. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to appear, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Controversial protest legislation was rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged to be a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. The premier on Thursday attacked the upper house for "on a routine basis" trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. Staffers, however, can be forced to appear. The committee believes they were present during police briefings to the ministers. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee as he was on leave at the time and did not attend any meetings. The committee will ask the upper house president, independent Ben Franklin, to go to the NSW Supreme Court and seek warrants for their arrest. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including parliamentary hearings, press conferences and question time. Five senior government staffers face possible arrest in a dramatic escalation of a probe examining officials' knowledge about an explosive-laden caravan found on Sydney's outskirts. The high-ranking staff in the offices of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley failed to appear as summonsed on Friday at an upper house inquiry. Committee chair independent MP Rod Roberts conducted a roll call for the premier's chief of staff James Cullen and four other staffers on Friday before the committee set in motion a process to seek arrest warrants. In a letter to the committee announcing their intention not to appear, the staffers say appearing before the inquiry "would be at odds with the principles of ministerial accountability". Mr Roberts pressed against that motion on Friday as he addressed empty chairs. "The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed light on the events in the lead up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament," Mr Roberts said. Controversial protest legislation was rushed through the NSW parliament in February after explosives, anti-Semitic messaging and a list of addresses of Jewish people and institutions were found inside the caravan at Dural in Sydney's northwest on January 19. The discovery prompted fears of a terrorist attack or mass-casualty event, as the premier and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese immediately dubbed it. It later emerged to be a hoax, with senior NSW police telling Mr Roberts' inquiry they believed virtually from the outset it was a ruse. The premier on Thursday attacked the upper house for "on a routine basis" trying to get government staff to appear at inquiries "almost like they're criminals and under investigation, or they should front some kind of Star Chamber inquiry". "And if not, they're under threat of arrest," he said. As members of the lower house, Mr Minns and Ms Catley cannot be compelled to appear at the upper house inquiry to give evidence. Staffers, however, can be forced to appear. The committee believes they were present during police briefings to the ministers. Another staffer named in the motion, Mr Minns' deputy chief of staff Edward Ovadia, said in the letter he should be excused from attending the committee as he was on leave at the time and did not attend any meetings. The committee will ask the upper house president, independent Ben Franklin, to go to the NSW Supreme Court and seek warrants for their arrest. The premier and police minister say they have commented extensively on the matter, including parliamentary hearings, press conferences and question time.
News.com.au
16 hours ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Arrest warrants considered as Minns staffers skip explosives inquiry
The threat of arrest now hangs over five of NSW Premier Chris Minns' top advisers after they refused to front a parliamentary inquiry investigating a suspected terror plot. The five senior ministerial staffers failed to appear before a NSW parliamentary inquiry this morning, prompting the chair of the committee to flag 'further action' in what is fast becoming a major constitutional standoff over executive accountability. The Legislative Council inquiry, chaired by independent MLC Rod Roberts, commenced at 10.45am on Friday but was forced to adjourn for 30 minutes after none of the five summoned witnesses, senior advisers to Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley, arrived. The hearing was ultimately abandoned without a vote, after Chair Roberts formally acknowledged the no-show and delivered a lengthy statement criticising the government's ongoing resistance to the inquiry. 'I am disappointed in the government's continued efforts to hinder and frustrate the work of this committee, and ultimately, the role of the Legislative Council to scrutinise the actions of government,' Mr Roberts said. 'The committee will now consider further action in relation to these witnesses under section 7 through 9 of the Parliamentary Evidence Act 1901.' Those summoned included Mr Minns' chief of staff, James Cullen; two senior advisers from the Premier's office, Edward Ovadia and Sarah Michael; and two staffers from Minister Catley's office, Dr Tilly South and Ross Neilson. Their appearance was meant to shed light on who in government knew what, and when, regarding the discovery of an explosives-laden caravan in Sydney's northwest in January. The Premier had previously described the incident as a potential 'mass casualty event'. Although the Australian Federal Police later determined it was part of a criminal conspiracy. The circumstances surrounding the government's response, and whether MPs passed sweeping anti-hate laws in February based on incomplete information, remain under intense scrutiny. A letter sent to the committee chair on Thursday and signed by the five staffers outlined their refusal to appear. They argued that attending would breach 'the principles of ministerial accountability and comity between the Houses of Parliament,' particularly while a separate privileges inquiry by the Legislative Assembly is ongoing. The group also took aim at Mr Roberts' earlier media comments, writing: 'Given your comments on breakfast radio yesterday as to the motivation for issuing the summonses, – which make it clear we are 'proxies' because our respective Ministers cannot be compelled as witnesses to the Select Committee – we also consider that they have not been properly issued,' the letter read. 'In light of the above, we invite you not to press for our attendance at the hearing tomorrow.' Mr Roberts rejected those arguments in his closing statement, asserting the inquiry is properly constituted and that ministerial staff are not exempt from appearing. 'The inquiry seeks to examine the actions of the executive, not members of the Legislative Assembly,' he said. 'The committee is not seeking to sanction ministerial staff for their actions, only to shed lights on the events in the lead-up to the passage of the hate speech and protest laws through parliament. 'The power of committees to summon witnesses and compel them to attend and give evidence is in black and white in the Parliamentary Evidence Act. It is not in doubt.' Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has previously condemned the inquiry as 'an incursion upon the privilege' of the Legislative Assembly. 'It expressly seeks to scrutinise the discourse of the House, the conduct of its members, be it backbencher or a member of the executive government, while undertaking the primary function entrusted upon them by their constituents which is to legislate,' Mr Hoenig said during Question Time in May. He argued the Legislative Council had overstepped its bounds by summoning ministerial staff and attempting to examine lower house proceedings. Despite the controversy, the Legislative Assembly passed a motion 47 to 27 to refer the inquiry's terms to the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics. In response, Mr Roberts amended the inquiry's terms to narrow its focus to the passage of relevant bills through the upper house. Mr Hoenig, however, insisted the changes 'did not go far enough'. Opposition MP Alister Henskens said the amendments were sufficient to avoid breaching privilege and labelled the referral motion 'a transparent attempt to frustrate and delay the upper house inquiry'. Greens MP Jenny Leong said it was 'critical' that the Legislative Council was not prevented from doing its work, warning that any 'unreasonable delay' would raise concerns about the Premier and executive trying to 'subvert' the inquiry. Speaker Greg Piper defended the committee's progression, saying the changes were not intended to obstruct but instead 'an opportunity to actually examine the issue, the rights and privilege, the exclusive cognisance of the Legislative Assembly'. The committee has previously heard from senior police officials, including NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and Deputy Commissioner David Hudson. With Friday's hearing abandoned and potential legal action looming, the inquiry is now at a crossroads.
The Advertiser
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Game changer': $35m funding for the duplication of Thornton Bridge
The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community."
