Charges against climate cultists thrown out while coal exports live another day

Key points

• Four activists had charges dismissed in Newcastle Local Court for protesting at the Newcastle Coal Port. The group, part of the 2024 Rising Tide flotilla, faced charges under the Marine Safety Act for failing to comply with an authorised officer's direction.
• Judge Scott Nash found them not guilty, dismissing all matters. The activists, including Robert Goodsell and Megan Quinn, expressed their concerns about climate change and government inaction.
• Climate Defenders Australia, representing the group, argued the prosecution lacked evidence and the direction was ambiguous.