Finally. Nationals MP for Ballina Don Page speaks out against coal seam gas exploration in the Northern Rivers four months before he retires

ABC News 12 November 2014:

The state member for Ballina has formally farewelled his electorate and taken a parting shot at the coal seam gas industry.

Last night Don Page gave his final speech before the NSW parliament, using the time to reflect on almost 27 years in public office.

He retires at next year's state election in March.

The National Party member told parliament he feels strongly that coal seam gas (CSG) is not compatible with the interests of his electorate.

Despite there being no known CSG reserves in the seat of Ballina, Mr Page wants a pledge from the government to keep his electorate CSG free.

"There is no CSG in the Ballina electorate however there is a petroleum exploration licence or Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) over it," Mr Page said.

"When the owners of PEL 445 surrender 25 per cent of their licence which they will be required to do, the government should not re-issue that part of it, thereby making the Ballina electorate CSG free. I look forward to the government's announcement on CSG in the near future," he said.

He told parliament he stands united with the opposition to the CSG industry....

Sometimes NSW Police make me cringe in shame - Part 2

New Matilda 16 October 2014:

Four police officers will stand trial over allegations they bashed an Aboriginal man, who was originally falsely charged with assaulting a constable before CCTV footage cleared him during the incident on the NSW north coast in 2011.

Constable Lee Walmsley, Constable Ryan Eckersley, former Sergeant Robert McCubben and Senior Constable Mark Woolven will stand trial after waiving a right to a committal hearing at the Downing Local Court, the ABC reported today.

They have pleaded not guilty.

It follows an incident involving the then 23-year-old Corey Barker in Ballina on January 14, 2011.

Mr Barker was arrested after intervening in an altercation between two of his friends and police.

He was originally charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer after being taken to Ballina Police Station, charges which were overturned when the restored CCTV footage, previously believed to be damaged, unveiled a different version of events.

Ballina Local Court Magistrate David Heilpern overturned the charges, ordered the NSW Police pay Mr Barker’s costs and referred the matter to the Police Integrity Commission.

The PIC handed down its report in 2013, recommending criminal charges for six of the officers involved. The ABC reported a total of 25 charges were laid against the officers. A fifth officer will also waive his right to a committal hearing.

The trial will start in 2015.

Sometimes NSW Police make me cringe in shame - Part 1 here.