NSW Staffers Face Arrest Over Fake Terror Plot Inquiry

Five senior New South Wales government staffers from the offices of Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley face possible arrest after failing to appear before a parliamentary inquiry into the handling of a fake terrorism plot involving an explosives-laden caravan in Sydney, later revealed by police to be a hoax orchestrated by organized crime. The staffers argued their attendance would conflict with ministerial accountability principles, as they were acting as proxies for ministers who cannot be compelled to testify. The inquiry, led by independent MP Rod Roberts and backed by the Coalition, Greens, and crossbench, is examining whether parliament was misled before the rapid passage of controversial hate speech and protest laws. The committee expressed disappointment at the government's refusal to cooperate and has begun pursuing arrest warrants, starting with the Legislative Council and potentially escalating to the NSW Supreme Court. Premier Minns criticized the inquiry for treating staff like criminals and undermining standard accountability processes. The standoff underscores escalating tensions over transparency and oversight in New South Wales.