NSW SHUTS CSG OPERATIONS IN GLOUCESTER
The New South Wales government has shut down AGL’s coal seam gas operations in Gloucester in northern NSW.
AGL voluntarily suspended operations after it detected benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, also known as BTEX, in flowback water from two of the four wells.
AGL said it did not use the chemicals, banned in CSG operations since 2011, and it was likely to be naturally occurring.
The government has suspended AGL’s licence until an investigation has been completed by the Environmental Protection Agency.
US ADMITS HICKS IS INNOCENT
David Hicks has successfully appealed to have his conviction withdrawn by the US, his lawyer said on January 23.
Hicks was held in Guantanamo Bay for five years and pleaded guilty to providing "material support for terrorism" as part of a plea bargain.
But the US has admitted that he is innocent of the “invented” charge and will formally overturn his conviction this month.
DANDENONG WORKPLACE OCCUPATION
Workers at International Flavors & Fragrances in Victoria have occupied their workplace since January 27 as part of an ongoing strike.
After negotiations for a new enterprise bargaining agreement stalled, workers were locked out by management.
In response, about 30 workers occupied the tea room and drafted a manifesto for a fair Australia, which included “a fair’s day pay for a fair’s day work, to be treated with respect and no erosion of conditions that have been fought for many years”.
Their workmates are holding a vigil outside the gates and providing them with food and support.
Follow updates on Twitter #occupydandenong.
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