‘Disgraceful’: Geoffrey Watson accuses Minns government of overturning high court ruling on coalmine

Key points

• Barrister Geoffrey Watson has condemned the New South Wales government's plan to introduce special laws allowing more coal production at the Mount Pleasant mine near Muswellbrook. The High Court earlier ruled the mine's approval was invalid.
• Premier Chris Minns said the bill would let MACH Energy raise output by 32 per cent and save 400 jobs. Watson and former judge Anthony Whealy said the move overrides a court decision.
• The NSW Greens questioned the job claims, and the government said any compliance investigation is a matter for the regulator.