Law & order

A landmark class action legal battle against the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) commenced last week in the New South Wales Supreme Court. After six long years, the case – alleging water mismanagement by the MDBA and brought by thousands of farmers - is finally getting its day in court.

The tragic death of a 53-year-old Hatfield man in a recreational aircraft crash near Balranald has renewed calls for reform. The incident exposes a concerning divide in how Australia responds to aviation fatalities ... Despite the fatal outcome, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will not investigate.

Buloke Shire Council ... Council accepted the invitation in good faith, based on TCV’s indication that an important update on the project would be shared. However, during the meeting, Council was advised that no announcement would, in fact, be made. Instead, the meeting was re-framed by TCV as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Council and improve consultation processes. Council expressed its disappointment ... Council was not informed of this amendment during Minister D’Ambrosio’s visit, despite its relevance and impact on affected landowners, some of which were present and engaged in the discussion held.

After years of simmering frustration, irrigators across the NSW Central Murray and Goulburn-Murray regions are finally getting their day in court. A landmark class action against the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and the Commonwealth Government is set to begin in the Supreme Court of NSW on August 11. The legal battle represents 28,000 group members, and seeks at least $750 million in damages.

Several flawed land tax assessments across the Wimmera and south-west have prompted The Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, to call for an investigation. Ms Kealy said dozens of residents had contacted her office in the past few months regarding errors in their land tax assessments, including incorrect land classifications and relevant exemptions not being applied for primary production land and not-for-profit uses.

Queensland Police's Operation Marshall kicked off on July 1 and on the Darling Downs, the first two weeks have resulted in 187 charges against 88 juveniles and 35 charges against 15 adults. Across the state, there have been 393 charges laid against 250 offenders, including 76 charges against 48 juveniles.

Legislation came into effect last week which aims to empower communities on renewable energy projects. The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, introduces significant reforms that strengthen social licence requirements for renewable energy projects and consistent development assessment rules across the state.