Greens call for police investigation of coal company related spy operations

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon has called on NSW police to investigate whether the company involved in spying on those protesting against the Maules Creek coalmine have broken the law and if so lay charges.

"If the security firm Centre for Intelligence and Risk Management used fake identities and other deceptions they could have broken laws that cover their corporate activities and the privacy rights of those they spied on," said Senator Rhiannon.

"People have a right to engage in peaceful protest. If the law is broken, it is the job of the police to deal with that, not company spies to infiltrate and collect information.

"I urge the NSW Police to immediately investigate.

"The investigation should cover Whitehaven's knowledge or involvement as well as that of the Centre for Intelligence and Risk Management.

"If the NSW Police fail to act it will give added weight to growing concerns that they readily assist Whitehaven, owners of the Maules Creek coalmine, but don't take on the coal industry when they break the law.

"When police arrest protesters, they regularly tell us it is because they are doing their job. Now they should do their job and ensure these matters are thoroughly investigated and charges laid if the law has been broken," said Senator Rhiannon.

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