Many families will always remember the Lymphoma Cancer Cluster associated with miners and residents at Huntley Colliery.

People in our Community remember the actions taken to protect the Illawarra Escarpment including:

• the Commission of Inquiries
• the Union Bans on Development by the South Coast Labour Council under the guidance of Paul Matters;
• the Plan of Management for Old Mine Sites on the Illawarra Escarpment
• and the Illawarra Escarpment Plan of Management.

Unfortunately there seems a void of this historical Corporate knowledge at Council  and this was evident recently when Council Executive Officers recommended the rezoning for residential development on our Escarpment on the old Huntley Mining Site- on the land that was once leased for mining and that was purchased at a Bargain Basement price.

This was the Proposal that gained Sydney Media attention when the Developers paid $12,000 to have dinner with former Labor Premier Morris Iemma at Noreen Hays fundraiser. (Click on read more for Sydney Morney Herald report)

On Monday 14th November 2011 a Planning Proposal for rezoning to allow residential development was recommended to our NEW Councillors by Council officers for the old Huntley Mine site and associated lands. Considering the dinner with Iemma it is not surprising to some that All but one Labor Councillor voted in support of this. Chris Connor (Labor) spoke very strongly in support of this planning proposal and rezoning. Chris Connor said "The people of Wollongong voted for a new Council because they wanted Councillors to make decisions". Independent Councillor Vicki Curran clarified "The people of Wollongong voted us in not just to make decisions but well informed, well considered decisions"" Curran also sited the contamination of the site; known endangered ecological communities and the fact that this planning proposal went against the Regional Strategy and could have a similar affect on Stage 1, 2 & 3 of the West Dapto development as that of Calderwood which Council had strongly opposed" Fortunately the  Liberals, Greens and Independents voted in support of Cr George Takacs motion that calls for MORE information to be provided and Councillor onsite briefing prior to the next Council meeting when this matter will be up again for decision.

Its an interesting WEB that has been woven in Wollongong in regards to these old mine site lands.

This paper was presented by John Mant at the 17th Annual Public Sector Fraud & Corruption Conference 2010 Canberra. John is a retired lawyer, urban planner, co-author of the revised NSW Local Govt Act; former ICAC Commissioner and great supporter

Fears an Oversized beachfront home that was approved at Hastings Point may set a precedent for other non complying developments to be approved and may open the door to corruption.

Wollongong Against Corruption is very concerned at reports that the contempary Development Control Plan that was recently created by Tweed Shire Council after 12 years of consultation, deliberation and well informed consideration has been breached in the recent approval of a Non-Complying Development at Hastings Point. Not only does this situation lead to precedents in the Tweed Shire but may also have a flow on affect to other Councils in NSW. In addition; Wollongong Against Corruption is very concerned with this decision especially following the ICAC investigation and findings into Wollongong City Council that clearly highlighted the danger of Councils/Councillors approving Non Complying Developments that were not in keeping with the LEP or DCP.

Approvals of Non Complying DAs that breach up to date Local Environment Plans and Development Control Plans not only creates an unfair playing field where genuine investors are wary; but is well known to create the likelihood of systemic and endemic corruption and mistrust in Council and Councillors.

Wollongong Against Corruption commends Tweed Shire Councils Lord Mayor Barry Longland for putting in a Recission Motion to overturn this decision and calls on all Councillors to support this motion to avoid facing the same fate as Wollongong Council and ensure that all Land owners, developers and Community are aware that the rules that have been set in the LEP and DCP are going to be upheld by your Council, and in doing so will create a Sustainable Community where corruption of planning is not tolerated and will not Breed in the Tweed.

Wollongong Against Corruption encourages all Tweed Councillors to follow the clear local planning guidelines so that they can avoid being perceived as being open to corruption. Clear decisions on DAs based on the Councils local planning regulations is paramount in preventing corruption and if evidence is required of this we recommend that Tweed Councillors read the Transcripts and Findings of the ICAC investigation into Wollongong City Council. We also recommend Councillors read John Mants (former ICAC Commissioner; Co-Author of the Local Govt Act; Lawyer & Planner) article about Corruption of the Planning Process at http://www.wollongongagainstcorruption.org.au/article.php?story=20110424055217413

Steve Spencer (ECHO) provides a clear and objective report of the current issue facing Tweed Shire Council.....READ MORE>>>>

  A controversial plan to redevelop an old block of flats into a three-storey home on the Hastings Point beachfront which breaches height and setback rules has been approved by Tweed Shire Council. Locals fear the approval will create a precedent leading to more mega ‘McMansion’ style homes in the village. Several councillors spoke passionately against the project, which involves a block of flats being gutted and renovated to create a three-storey home at 26 Tweed Coast Road, but to no avail.

Council planners recommended approval, despite the building being 0.5m higher than allowed by the village’s development control plan (DCP). It also breaches council’s coastal setback regulations, being 2.5 metres from the boundary rather than the required eight metres. But planners were swayed by its status as an existing building and the potential of a successful Land and Environment Court challenge if the project was rejected. There is also an even larger home next door. Council staff sent letters to 45 neighbours and received seven submissions objecting to the reconstruction, which would see workmen demolish most of the interior of the block of flats, leaving the exterior walls as a framework for the new home.

 Mayor Barry Longland, who opposed the plan with Crs Katie Milne and Joan van Lieshout, said the hard work done to create a DCP for the village was being ‘trashed at the first hurdle’. Cr Longland warned councillors that other Hastings Point property owners were waiting for the project’s approval so they could seek to build similar-sized homes. ‘What happens when the next project comes along? Let’s stand firm,’ said Cr Longland.

Three founding members of WAC are determined to unite their skills, knowledge and experience in Community advocacy, Corruption prevention and Local Government by standing for election for Wollongong City Council in WARD 3. The girls who many residents know for their tireless and unpaid work in the community spanning over 30 years are joined by young upcoming civic leader Ben Baaner from Horsely.

Together the United For Change team will provide a Strong Voice for the Southern Suburbs with commitment, passion and integrity.

 UNITED FOR CHANGE - Bringing Independent, Uncompromised Commitment & Balance to serving our Community with Passion & Integrity.    Vote 1 GROUP A WARD 3

Vicki Curran      Alice Scott

Helen Hamilton  Ben Baaner

Alice Scott - Recipient of the 2010 Women Making a Difference to their Community Award. 

 Alice believes " If you feel something is not right, don't complain , do something about it."

Helen Hamilton - Long Time Community and Environmental Advocate for Southern Suburbs

Ben Banner - Strong Voice for Sporting organisations, Business and Employment growth in the Southern Suburbs and Revitilisation of and Better Road Access for Dapto/Horsley/West Dapto.

Ben attended Edmund Rice College Mt Keira and lives at Horsely. At only 20 years of age Ben displays great enthusiasm for Community involvement and enjoys the challenge of working in a team to achieve positive outcomes for his local community. Ben has been a member of the Illawarra Clay Target Shooters Club since the age of 6 and Executive Board Member for the past 2 years.

Since leaving High School Ben has participated in several Community led environmental and local planning campaigns/activities. In addition to this Ben has shown great empathy and concern for young people with mental illness and spent 3 years as mentor and support for a local teenage boy. Ben shows maturity and compassion way beyond his years.

Ben is concerned at the High Youth Unemployment rate in the Southern Suburbs and the social implications this has on our area. He is also concerned for businesses, business and development growth and the lack of essential infrastructure in the Southern Suburbs. Ben is disgusted that a FURTHER $16 million dollars is ear marked to be spent on two blocks in Wollongong Mall when Dapto and West Dapto residents have been kept waiting for many years for adequate roads to provide access to their homes and work. Ben believes that Southern Suburbs have been neglected for far too long and funds need to be directed immediately to these suburbs ahead of further outrageous spending in Wollongong City Centre.

Following the Seven news teams investigative report that has lead to the reopening of the Police Inquiry into the drink spiking incidents in this City, Wollongong Against Corruption has again renewed its call for Access to the Robyn Bartlett Investigation into Sexual Harassment and Drink Spiking allegations. If you missed the Seven news exclusive investigative report click on http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/nsw/-/watch/26280985/police-probe-drink-spiking-incidents/

WAC also calls on Voters in the up coming Council elections to remember that Rod Oxley and some former Councillors who are now standing for Election were dismissed due to the systemic corruption in their term on Council.  WAC calls on voters to select candidates who have a genuine committment to Community and ethics; knowledge of local Govt and Good Governance; and who have the integrity and courage to prevent and stop residual corruption.

WAC is calling on full disclosure of:

• The Robyn Bartlett report and all associated Documents.
• The full disclosure of payouts provided to Joe Scimone and Rod Oxley that was called for and unanimously resolved by former Councillors but never disclosed by Rod Oxley; and never disclosed by the Labor Appointed Administrators
• Full disclosure of all legal costs paid for by WCC to protect/defend Joe Scimone and Rod Oxley between 2002 and up to and including 2008.
• A copy of the reference that Rod Oxley wrote Joe Scimone (close mate of Joe Tripodi) that led to Joe Scimone receiving the Executive Role at The Ports Authority AFTER he was forced to leave WCC as a direct result of the Administrative Decisions Tribunal and Anti Discrimination Board complaints and action.
•  Council documents and associated documents relating to drink spiking and sexual harassment complaints/information received by or known by Rod Oxley and/or Officers of Council between 2002 and 2005.
• Full disclosure of all Cost to Council from Rod Oxleys disclosure of confidential documents that the Code of Conduct Committee upheld.

The Bartlet report was Buried by Rod Oxley and not even our elected Councillors were allowed to see it or the transcripts.

The Public paid for this report. Rod Oxley denied all Public access to this report. David Farmer and the State Appointed Administrators have also refused to investigate this; have refused to provide all information to the NSW POlice; the NSW DPP or to the ICC. WAC will be mounting a significant campaign to the freshly elected Council to act with honesty, transparency and good governance on these matters and expect the new Council to fully investigate the role david Farmer and the State Appointed Administrators have played in keeping this matter covered up.

WAC is aware that David Farmer and the State Appointed Administrators have denied liability for work place injuries sustained by Vicki Curran. Considering Councils knowledge of similar complaints dating back to 2003 involving Keira MP Ryan Parks wife Kara Lamond the fact that they have refused liability and refused to assist the only person who had the courage to stop the behaviour and whose complaint led to the dismissal of Joe Scimone from WCC is beyond comprehension of our community. WAC will be demanding that the new Council immediately investigate and assist the victims of these horrendous workplace attacks and injuries.

Many people would not be aware that the ICAC who requested the Bartlett report during its investigation were only provided with 3 out of 12 transcripts of interview from Wollongong City Council(one from Joe Scimone and only two from alleged victims of sexual harassment)  on which they based their findings. Who was responsible for limiting the information provided to the ICAC that then limited the ICAC investigation?  Was it Rod Oxley?  If not who? Why havent the WCC Administrators forwarded the full report and ALL transcripts to the ICAC; NSW Police and the DPP for thorough investigation?

Because the ICAC only received two victim statements; and due to the fact that Joe Scimone and Rod Oxley were no longer employed at Council; the ICAC found that no further action was required. This was the same finding of the Conduct Committee where they did not recommend any penalty against Rod Oxley because he was no longer employed at Council.

BUT now he wants to be Lord Mayor!

Former Councillors Anne Wood and Carolyn Griffiths tried all avenues available to them as our elected representatives to ensure that Council was acting according to its responsibilities, legislation and regulations. However they were bullied themselves and silenced by  threat of Code of Conduct Complaints. It is noted that all other Councillors CHOSE not to get involved and put their blinkers on to this conduct; including those now standing for Election eg Alice Carten and David Brown. These former Councillors did not support the female victims of drink spiing and indecent assaults. They did nothing.

Anne Wood courageously made 12 complaints regarding Rod Oxleys' handling of the sexual harassment complaints. Of these 12 complaints only 1 was upheld BUT no penalty against Rod Oxley was recommended because he was no longer a Council Official. WAC believes that if all information was available to, and considered by Wollongong City Council's Conduct Committee that all complaints would have been upheld against Rod Oxley.

With Council elections looming and Rod Oxley publicly declaring he DID nothing wrong in his time at Council, and now wanting to be Lord Mayor of Wollongong; WAC believes full disclosure of this information is essential and should be granted in the BEST INTEREST of OUR COMMUNITY.

If Rod Oxley has forgotten what he did when he was employed at Council; then Council must ensure that the Community is informed and reminded prior to the Council elections where Rod Oxley is standing for election as Lord Mayor.

Click on READ MORE below

Wollongong Against Corruption welcomes the announcement that NSW Minister of Police Mike Gallagher is in the process of establishing an inquiry into NSWs five investigative bodies including the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

THE body designated to examine allegations about the conduct of the former Crime Commission investigator Mark Standen will also be subject to review later this year, calling into question its ability to deal with any new claims. The Police Integrity Commission (PIC) is expected to be part of an inquiry into the operation of NSW's five super-judicial bodies, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

The review, being worked on by the Premier's Department, is expected to be announced later this year.  The Federal Police Commissioner at the time of the Standen arrest, Mick Keelty, called for the review of the Crime Commission to be thorough. 

  Former assistant NSW police commissioner with a record of reform, Clive Small, said all of the state's super judicial bodies should be examined under the one inquiry. Otherwise, he said, there would be overlap and duplication. He also said the inquiry should examine whether the members of the Crime Commission's management committee, which also includes the police minister and NSW police commissioner, were partly responsible for any failures at the agency. ''No inquiry would be complete or adequate if these people and their predecessors were not called before it and held to account,'' he said. Wollongong Against Corruption agrees with Clive Small and will be making submissions to The Premiers Department to ensure that the review is thorough. Over the past few years Wollongong Against Corruption has been provided with evidence and reports that justifies the need for a Royal Commission that is seperate from the Police Integrity Commission. WAC will be including this information in its submission to The Premier to ensure that the PIC isnt the investigative body in charge of any review of the ICAC, Crimes Commission and itself (Police Integrity Commission). Many WAC members would remember Clive Smalls talk in Wollongong as guest of WAC where he spoke about the systemic corruption in NSW and the need for a thorough review of all investigative agencies.

The NSW Police Minister, Michael Gallacher, said yesterday that the PIC was the appropriate body to investigate any complaints about cases involving Standen, who was convicted of conspiracy charges on Thursday. The PIC had the appropriate powers and resources to handle such allegations and had shown it was prepared to investigate the Crime Commission. ''If there are allegations about systemic corruption in the Crime Commission we already have a body with royal commission powers to look at this and that is the PIC,'' Mr Gallacher said. The PIC's role will be in question when the Premier's Department review begins but the minister's spokesman said they were confident the review of the PIC would not compromise its ability to examine the Crime Commission.

Wollongong residents are making their views very clear on Rod Oxley's failure to recognise his role in the corruption that affected Wollongong City Council under his reign as General Manager; that was identified by the ICAC in its published findings.

 It is clear in today's Illawarra Mercury story (not reportive nor objective) by Michelle Hoctor titled "Oxley Says experience will help him sniff out corruption" that Oxley needs some reminding.

In a contradiction of statements oxley says that his experience in the corruption era at Council (which Oxley terms the ''bad experience'') has given him the skills etc needed "to know what to look for now". In total contradiction he then goes on to say he doesnt know what the ICAC meant when they found him guilty of creating a culture which could have led to corrupt conduct occurring". Not only does Rod Oxley contradict himself but he also WATERS DOWN the findings made against him by the ICAC.

 Northern Illawarra resident Alan Bond is one such resident who is doing his best to remind Oxley and the voters of the Wollongong LGA of the role Rod Oxley played in the corruption that systemic at Council. 

Wollongong Against Corruption proudly announces and supports the nomination for Lord Mayor for Wollongong City one of our Founding Members and well known Whistle Blower and Community Advocate Vicki Curran.

Vicki Curran has been available to help many individual residents, neighbourhood and sporting groups to oppose inappropriate development eg Wombarra, Berkeley, West Corrimal (Illegal Vellar mansions on the Escarpment) Fairy Meadow (Ambience), and Farmborough Heights (rezoning of escarpment lands) as well as Developers and Small Business owners/contractors in their dealings with Council. Vicki states "I have been approached by, and provided assistance to both business owners and developers who are still finding that Wollongong is not allowing equal opportunity for contracts, tenders and development. I am determined to change that and as Lord Mayor I know from listening to the business sector I would provide greater confidence to this sector so that they not only consider... but decide to do their business in Wollongong City LGA."

Wollongong Against Corruption believes Vicki would provide the leadership needed to revitalise Wollongong.

In BREAKING NEWS - The DPP has announced that it will not be proceeding with any charges against Beth Morgan - former Wollongong City Council Town Planner, for her role in the corruption that affected Wollongong City Council and which led to the dismissal of Council/Councillors. How is it that Frank Gigliotti received a gaol sentence for supplying Ray Younan with a case of scotch BUT Beth Morgan who paid the con men a lot more than that to BUY her way out of the ICAC investigation and received luxury gifts including a trip overseas with Frank Vellar, gets to walk away without any criminal charges laid against her?

It was recommended by ICAC that she face 27 criminal charges.

Many people in Wollongong; especially former Council staff who gave evidence to the ICAC (that they chose to ignore and not include) predicted that Beth Morgan would never face charges because she had damming evidence of the corruption that was not restricted to Wollongong Council but involved the State Govt/Depts and allowed to become systemic due to the close association between the State Govt and the ICAC.

Following this announcement; Wollongong Against Corruption renews its demand on Barry O'Farrell to IMMEDIATELY honour his promise of a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption that affected and possibly still affects NSW.

Wollongong Against Corruption continues to ask WHY DID the ICAC, the Inspector of the ICAC and NOW the DPP decide to EXCLUDE and TOTALLY DISMISS the Illegal Vellar Mansions on the Escarpment from Investigation, The Public Hearings and DPP Brief?

Our Council was dismissed for Systemic Corruption BUT was replaced by State Appointed Administrators (one of which - Colin Gellately- was involved in the NSW Energy Sale currently under Inquiry). But they proved who they were working for and it certainly wasnt the Community when they attempted to Retrospectively Approve these Illegal Mansions in the Draft LEP. They almost got away with it....but fortunately their contribution to the maladministration and corruption affecting Wollongong City Council was exposed by Wollongong Against Corruption; in Parliament; in the Media and persistent and varied Community Action. EVENTUALLY  they did remove the rezoning and FINALLY took action against Vellar in the Land and Environment Court (but even that took them two years with persistent efforts by WAC and our Community).

Here are some related media articles based on our Exclusive Investigation and Community wide Action into the corruption that ICAC and the State Investigative bodies have CONTINUED to IGNORE. The Mansions are still standing; are dangerous; have destroyed core escarpment land and vegetation and provide a serious flood and slip risk to nearby residents. The Corruption or Incompetence?....CONTINUES.

Wollongong Against Corruption Demands a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption that has allowed serious criminal matters to be covered up for decades. 

Wollongong Against Corruption supported the NSW Oppositions’ call for a judicial inquiry into allegations that an investigation into former NSW Police Minister David Campbell was covered up; but is concerned that O'Farrell has done nothing to make it possible since announcing this in 2010. We are hopefull that Barry O'Farrell will prioritise this promise and make it a reality.

We know the ICAC inquiry only touched the tip of the Ice-Berg in Wollongong and we are still waiting for the DPP to take action against Beth Morgan, Joe Scimone, Frank Vellar and Val Zanotto. What is the hold up?

Since Barry O'Farrell announced his support and need for a judicial inquiry in 2010; and his promise to WAC in 2008 that if elected he would deliver a Royal Commission into Political Corruption; we have NOT seen or heard any further action to make this Judicial Inquiry or Royal Commission real, possible and actually happen.

Michael Organ says he is standing as an Independent for the Upcoming Council elections BUT he seems to be the Puppet Master for the Greens if this email is anything to go by. Here we have Michael Organ forwarding a Liberal Party invitation (that he may have received because of his new Independent status) to the Illawarra Greens which then led to the Greens attending on force the rally in the mall opposing the carbon tax; with guest speaker Barnaby Joyce and those who wanted to hear him speak not being given the respect or opportunity. Will Michael Organ be doing the same thing if he was elected on Council?  

Email From: Michael Organ Date: 12 July 2011 3:58:41 PM AEST To: Karen Cummings (illawarra Greens) , Brian Mason (NSW Nurses Union):

FW: Liberal Party CARBON TAX Rally- Barnaby Joyce comes to the the Wollongong Mall - Wednesday 13 July 2011 Can we circulate

 Dear friends please see below a notice about a Liberal Party carbon tax meeting to be held tomorrow at the Wollongong mall ...

Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells invites you to attend Meeting in the Mall to hear how the Coalition intends to fight the Gillard Labor Government's toxic carbon tax. Concetta will introduce Senator Barnaby Joyce, Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water, who has been campaigning against the tax across Australia .Wednesday 13 July 2011 12.30pm-1.30pm Amphitheatre, Crown Street Mall, Wollongong Bring your friends and placards What the tax will mean: Cost of living in NSW will rise by $515 a year Electricity bills will rise by 10% in the first year  Gas bills will rise by 9% in the first year  . There will be higher marginal tax rates for low and middle income earners >> There will be a $4.3 billion hit on the budget bottom line .

Email Original Message---- From:jmerrin@southernphone.com.au Sent: Tuesday, 12 July 2011 6:09 PM To: Karen Cummings;  Fwd: Liberal Party CARBON TAX Rally- Barnaby Joyce comes to the the Wollongong Mall - Wednesday 13 July 2011-can we circulate

Thanks Karen I'll try to get there with Greens placards - anyone have any carbon tax supportive or greenhouse action supportive signs? Jill Quoting Karen Cummings

Andrew Bolt INFORMS:

Tim Flannery has had years of practice trying to terrify us into thinking human-made climate change will destroy Earth. TIM Flannery has just been hired by the Gillard Government to scare us stupid, and I can't think of a better man for the job. This Alarmist of the Year is worth every bit of the $180,000 salary he'll get as part-time chairman of the Government's new Climate Commission. His job is simple: to advise us that we really, truly have to accept, say, the new tax on carbon dioxide emissions that this Government threatens to impose.

This kind of work is just up the dark alley of Flannery, author of The Weather Makers, that bible of booga booga. He's had years of practice trying to terrify us into thinking our exhausts are turning the world into a fireball that will wipe out civilisation, melt polar ice caps and drown entire cities under hot seas. Small problem, though: after so many years of hearing Flannery's predictions, we're now able to see if some of the scariest have actually panned out. And we're also able to see if people who bet real money on his advice have cleaned up or been cleaned out. So before we buy a great green tax from Flannery, whose real expertise is actually in mammology, it may pay to check his record. Ready? Click on  READ MORE and make sure you check out The Bolt Report http://youtu.be/s9voS5MJSuM

Wollongong Business Leader Shaun Prince calls on the Federal Government to widen the debate and take time to develop strategies that, unlike Gilliard/Browns Carbon Tax; will have a greater affect and better outcomes on decreasing emissions; tackling global warming; and creating a solid foundation for environmental, social and economic sustainability.

For a country that accounts for less than 1.5% of all global “pollution” emissions there simply is not the urgency to act on climate change as we are being told; particularly, given the presently proposed carbon tax “solution” does not have broad agreement and has never been put to the electorate!

How much do we really now know about the proposed zero detail carbon tax solution and its real impacts?

We have the time to work on a properly informed, broadly agreed climate change solution, preferably one made with bipartisan support, just like that which has been achieved in the UK. Other significant policy issues, such as the war in Afghanistan; have earned a bipartisan approach from the parliament.

Australians have the right to expect, actually demand, that such an approach now be taken by their Parliament and Government to formulate a proper policy response before it is put to the people for their approval.

It’s natural that we all want to reduce the impacts of pollution. Growing up high in the escarpment at Woonona I can appreciate what is now a comparatively clean Illawarra skyline and I very much welcome the emission reductions made over the last forty years and the virtual disappearance of the once constant low hanging veil of smog worn by our city. But equally, I understand the complete importance of heavy industry to our city and the Illawarra region and our present critical need to maintain the investment provided by the likes of BlueScope - investment that provides our city 12,000 direct jobs and thousands of others! Heavy industry in the Illawarra has long been moving to cleaner operations, the process is ongoing and more will be done, yet the Governments carbon tax solution appears to be being unnecessarily rammed home. This is very concerning because the sad history of Governments of all sides demonstrate that halve baked poor policies deliver nothing but expensive failures.

Shouldn’t the Illawarra’s people, so tremendously dependent on these “polluting industries” have a crystal clear understanding of the impacts any climate change policy solution will have on their livelihoods, their city, the future of the Illawarra – where’s the detail and the local debate?

A desperate minority government, ramming home a hodgepodge solution, built on cynical political expediency, seems exactly the wrong way to be going about solving the very complex issues of climate change and preparing Australia particularly, the economically stressed Illawarra, for the invertible impacts that change will bring.

Wollongong simply cannot afford another pointless blow to its fragile industrial based economy, and shipping off our steel industry jobs to the likes of India and China, where no restrictions apply, will do little to help stop climate change but most certainly will stop Wollongong dead.

Shaun Prince

Prior to the last Federal Election Julia Gilliard promised Australian voters that: "There will be NO Carbon Tax". 

Click on this link to hear Julia Gilliard promise that there will be NO Carbon Tax in the Govt she leads. http://youtu.be/40EWX6TXgH4

 Prior to the last election Julia Giliard promised assistance to families with teenagers. BUT she totally deceived the Australian people by secretly planning to strip struggling families of the Family Tax benefit A & B.

SECRET proposals to freeze family tax payments to millions of parents were developed by the Gillard government before the last election. But voters were kept in the dark about the changes until May's budget, confidential federal government emails reveal. And more nasties to slash middle-class welfare could be looming, with government lawyers blocking the release of further "options under possible consideration" on the grounds it was not in the "public interest". One of the budget's most controversial plans is to freeze the indexation for the annual supplement that will hit 2.1 million families eligible for Family Tax benefits A & B. The freeze will strip families with two children of up to $147 in benefits, saving the government $800 million. The confidential emails, obtained by The Sunday Telegraph, show the government was racing the clock to seek information on its plan to freeze family payments before caretaker provisions kicked in after Julia Gillard called the election in July.

Group formed to save Illawarra steel industry

Illawarra Against Carbon Tax (I-ACT) invites all interested people to attend a planning and strategy meeting TONIGHT (Tuesday, 17th May 2011) at Port Kembla Returned Soldiers Club cnr Military Rd and Allan Street Port Kembla starting at 7.30pm. I-ACT is hoping that employees of the Steel and Coal Industries who will be affected directly by the introduction of the Carbon Tax will attend and assist our community in strongly opposing the introduction of this tax.

A carbon tax would destroy Illawarra's steel industry for no environmental gain, a member of a newly formed protest group said yesterday. The convener of Illawarra Against Carbon Tax, Paul Matters, says he believes the Labor Party's proposed tax would do nothing but send the steel industry offshore, where there would be few environmental restrictions.

The group is planning a series of talks on both sides of the scientific argument for the Labor Government's proposed carbon tax.

 The first meeting saw  prominent marine geophysical scientist Dr Bob Carter give a public lecture at the Port Kembla RSL Club. Dr Carter, a researcher at James Cook University in North Queensland and the University of Adelaide, is working on climate change, sea-level change and stratigraphy based on studies in the south-west Pacific region. "Dr Carter agrees global warming is occurring and that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas but not a pollutant," Mr Matters said. He also believes the warming that occurred in the late 20th century is not outside the natural range of variability and is not significantly caused by carbon dioxide. "Dr Carter strongly disputes the climate modelling in terms of catastrophic projections which is the basis for the whole edifice of the argument for a carbon tax," Mr Matters says. Mr Matters, a former South Coast Labour Council secretary, said he did not want a repeat of 1984 when the steel industry shed thousands of jobs under restructuring. "The promises of jobs for those put out of work never materialised," he said. "We accepted technological advances had to take place in the industry but we don't accept there is any basis for this tax. "If, in the worst case scenario, the steel industry did collapse from lack of competitiveness and investment, we'd be importing steel from India and China, where no restrictions apply, making this tax a tragedy," Mr Matters said.

Illawarra Against Carbon Tax (I-ACT) invites all interested people to attend a planning and strategy meeting tonight (17th May 2011) at Port Kembla Returned Soldiers Club cnr Milliatry Rd and Allan Street Port kembal starting at 7.30pm.

                                                           Time to act is NOW!

Wollongong Against Corruption Demands a Royal Commission into the Political Corruption that has allowed serious criminal matters to be covered up for decades.

Wollongong Against Corruption supported the NSW Oppositions’ call for a judicial inquiry into allegations that an investigation into former NSW Police Minister David Campbell was covered up; but is concerned that O'Farrell has done nothing to make it possible since announcing this in 2010. We are hopefull that Barry O'Farrell will prioritise this promise and make it a reality. We know the ICAC inquiry only touched the tip of the Ice-Berg in Wollongong and we are still waiting for the DPP to take action against Beth Morgan, Joe Scimone, Frank Vellar and Val Zanotto. What is the hold up? Since Barry O'Farrell announced his support and need for a judicial inquiry in 2010; and his promise to WAC in 2008 that if elected he would deliver a Royal Commission into Political Corruption; we have NOT seen or heard any further action to make this Judicial Inquiry or Royal Commission real, possible and actually happen.

Channel Seven's Steve Barrett and Adam Walters not only exposed the secret sex life of David Campbell BUT then went on in November 2010 to expose the Cover Up of serial drink spiking incidents that had remained uninvestigated but reported to Police.

 In 2008 David Campbell was asked in NSW Parliament: Did he or any of his staff (this would include Ryan Park his Executive Assistant) know of any complaints that had been made known to NSW Police involving Joe Scimone?" David Campbell who was Police Minister at the time answered that he only knew of one and that was the one involving Vicki Curran.

Why did David Campbell Mislead parliament? This is a current cover-up that is identical to the Cover-ups of the past in Wollongong involving the catholic Clergy and our Lord Mayors. When will it stop? When Barry O'Farrell puts in place a Judicial Inquiry

The Commonwealth government has just released another discussion paper on Australian Cities, State of Australian Cities 2010.  http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/mcu/soac.aspxThe latest city paper is replete with all those clichéd hopes that have peppered urban policy papers for decades - integrated infrastructure planning and programming, innovative urban design, consideration of place impacts of development, healthier cities, sustainable cities, affordable housing, less car dependent, shorter trips, access to a wide range of services and facilities … One gets a warm glow from these documents. They don’t disappoint by explaining what we really would have to do to achieve their lofty aims. To explain would be to expose the hollowness of the analysis and the solutions. The truth is inconvenient because it is to be found within government and the way it operates. Rather than face up to it, much better to wrap the clichés around some pictures of happy citizens and pretend you are across the issues. John states "The point is; let’s have some honesty in these urban reports. For years the same hopes have been stated. Nobody writes why it is that those hopes are not realised. If we had some real analysis, we might see some real solutions."

By Brian Martin November 5, 2010

 — A mobilised citizenry is a threat to corrupt operations. Therefore, those involved in behaviours potentially labelled as corrupt have an interest in minimising public outrage. Five ways of doing this are to hide the activity, denigrate opponents, reinterpret actions as legitimate, use official channels to give an appearance of justice, and intimidate or bribe people involved. A local government scandal in Wollongong, Australia, illustrates all these tactics, with public hearings and media coverage providing volumes of revealing information. The implication of this analysis is that anti-corruption efforts should emphasise ways of increasing public outrage.

 Introduction “Sex and corruption” — it was a top news story.

The opening day of the hearings, 18 February 2008, brought out sizzling details about Wollongong City Council, the local government body for the city of Wollongong, south of Sydney. Beth Morgan had worked for the council as a senior development officer with authority to approve development applications. She approved several buildings that grossly violated planning guidelines at the same time as having affairs with three different developers. Morgan planned to leave the council and set up her own business and was establishing a clientele. As well as sex, money played a major role. One of the developers, Frank Vellar, plied Morgan with gifts. The Independent Commission Against Corruption, a statutory body in the state of New South Wales, had been tipped off about dodgy operations in Wollongong and started an investigation in 2006 that included telephone taps, video surveillance and seizure of computers to obtain e-mails. The opening statement at ICAC’s 2008 hearings used the information gathered to spell out a damning case of a pro-development government body that eased the path for developers with inside access.