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thursday, august 18, 2011
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Open inquiry into Orica Kate Sikora Political Reporter ENVIRONMENT Minister Robyn Parker could face a public inquiry over her handling of a chemical leak that put hundreds of families at risk. Hours after agreeing to lead the inquiry into last week’s Orica chemical leak, former department of premier and cabinet director-general Brendan O’Reilly said that while it
was too early to say who he would call to testify, he might open hearings to the public. ‘‘Although I have just been advised of my appointment . . . I am seriously considering having a public inquiry,’’ Mr O’Reilly said. Orica executives tonight will face hundreds of angry residents at a public meeting in Stockton, where homes and properties are still being decontaminated after the
cancer-causing plumes of hexavalent chromium spewed into the air for more than 30 minutes last Monday, causing low-level contamination. An Orica spokeswoman said general manager James Bonnor would address the crowd. ‘‘There will be a number of executives from Orica. A brief statement will be made and then we will open up the floor to residents,’’ she said. Premier Barry O’Farrell said
Mr O’Reilly would be expected to report back by September 30 and had ‘‘broad terms of reference to investigate’’. Orica did not inform the Office of Environment and Heritage for 16 hours after the leak and it took Ms Parker a further 54 hours to notify the public — leading to accusations Stockton residents had been endangered. ‘‘I want to ensure there is no repeat of the delays that
have characterised this matter,’’ Mr O’Farrell said. ‘‘I’m determined to improve the procedures surrounding spills to ensure timely and accurate notification.’’ The Daily Telegraph reported yesterday that US activist Erin Brockovich had vowed to visit Australia to help Stockton residents take on the company and government. On radio yesterday, Ms Brockovich said residents had a
right to be concerned about the communication breakdown. ‘‘It sends a message that (Orica) don’t care,’’ she said. Resident Dottie Larcombe, who lives directly across the river from the Orica factory, said she had developed a rash and headaches since last week. ‘‘I want (Orica and the government) to get to the bottom of what happened. I want them to stop lying to us,’’ she said.
Bikie gang arrest link to Ibrahim Kara Lawrence
Perfect drama: Models and stylists step up to bring couture to the masses outside Sydney Town Hall yesterday
OFFICIAL MAGAZIN
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Picture: Chris Pavlich
Scene-stealing glamour on George Jenny Ringland 2011
Don’t miss the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Sydney magazine
SPRING / SUMMER
HELLS Angels have been linked to an alleged vendetta against the Ibrahim family after a bikie was arrested in connection with drive-by shootings targeting the family. The bikie was arrested and a house raided this week over attacks on two properties linked to the Ibrahim family, one of which is the home of Sydney nightclub entrepreneur John Ibrahim. Police raided the Wetherill Park house at 6.40am on Tuesday and arrested a 21-year-old Hells Angel. They allegedly seized three shotguns, three rifles, ammunition, cocaine and steroids. The raid followed the driveby shooting of a home allegedly owned by the Ibrahims at Merrylands on June 30, in which shots hit the house. Renters who live in the house, behind the home of Mr Ibrahim’s mother Wahiba, were not injured. About 11.30am the next day, police were called to Mr Ibrahim’s clifftop home on George St, Dover Heights, after it was shot at and ammunition casings discovered. It was allegedly the third time shots had been fired at the home. The other incidents were not reported. Police formed Strike Force Bairestow to investigate the shootings. The Hells Angel was released without charge pending further inquiries.
ES-BENZ FASHION
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WHILE it might have been dull overhead, no one could say the same about what was being unveiled on the Town Hall steps yesterday. Five models braved the cold in an exclusive photo shoot to help launch the open-to-the-public MercedesBenz Fashion Festival Sydney.
Wearing evening gowns by Toni Maticevski, the girls were poked and prodded by hair and make-up artists as they posed for 45 minutes. The event was the brainchild of stylist Peter Simon Phillips, under direction from Harper’s Bazaar editor Edwina McCann. ‘‘Toni Maticevski’s dresses were the obvious choice for a moment like
this. They have all the fashion drama needed for one of the busiest streets in Sydney, perfect for a high glamour morning event,’’ he said. ‘‘We wanted to create a couture moment for the public, with all the glamour of a high-fashion magazine shoot.’’ More than 80 designers will be on display during the five-day fashion showcase, which starts on Tuesday.
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