Exploring the facts

Map of the PEP11 gas exploration licence off the Central Coast

Forum –

I am surprised that after all the newspaper lines, sit-time, public energy about PEP11 your paper still prints the untrue and bent facts.

Senator O’Neill forgot to mention that the PEP11 exploration was first granted by a Labor government but we have learned to expect that approach.

Vania Holt, a lawyer with a Dr. in front of her name who lives in coal-country Maitland, incorrectly stated “her recent vote against the anti-PEP11 legislation put forward by Zali Steggall” shame, shame.

The motion Steggall put forward was to stop ordinary parliamentary procedure and to vote to override the role and duties of the Minister of Mines under the Mining Act.

Then you published David Horsfall’s letter – “Entitled to an explanation” – yes he is, give him one, an accurate and truthful journalist’s article on PEP11.

Don’t forget to tell readers that their super funds hold shares in many mining companies with legal, valid exploration licenses, maybe even shares in one of the companies with an interest in this one!

Also be sure to detail for readers that a push to avoid the legislation (and) override the laws written by parliament will likely lead to compensation, paid with their tax dollars.

Email, Nov 29, 2021
Godfrey Franz, Gosford
(Mr Franz is a Liberal party member)

Editorial note: Ms Vania Holt has contacted us informing us that she now lives locally, her law firm does have offices in Erina and Maitland)

6 Comments on "Exploring the facts"

  1. Well said Mr Franz. Lets have factual reporting not hysteria and hyperbole.

  2. Wonderful party political spin from Mr Franz again. Can he honestly advocate for an oil and gas industry off our pristine coastline, I think not.
    The recent gas and oil leak off the Calafornian coast shows why, devastating the environment, the fishing and tourism industry.
    Labor was dragged kicking to declare their hand on PEP11 earlier this year, something they now say they will cancel if in government. Though at least they had the sense to listen to a community campaign adopted by an independent MP in Zali Stegall who acted for her and our community. Something Lucy Wicks refuses to do.
    Ms Wicks speaks against the PEP11 in her community and in taxpayer funded ads in the paper and then in parliament she backs down and panders to her own lazy minister who does nothing.
    Clear evidence that her party and career are more important to her than her community.

    Mr Franz is the one who should be ashamed at turning his back on the surfers, fishers and small business community that rely on the coast.

    His party and his PM has bumbled along on this issue and now promotes division in the community with his clumsy arguments.

  3. Another liberal spin merchant rearranging the facts to fit their agenda it has almost propaganda. They have a problem with the truth! But as they say it percolates down from Scomo! He is reported as saying “No PEP11 explanation on the Central Coast” but the message has been ignored by his underlings. Maybe he has lost control of his mob? Godfrey Franz certainly hasn’t done his homework but has picked up the liberal spin.
    I wonder why they have not got the message people are tired of the lies untruths and spin of the LNP. Time for you to spend more time with your families.

  4. Why are we surprised at the comments of another “spin doctor” associated with the disgraceful Liberal Party that mismanages our country. They are OWNED by the coal and gas companies. Remember Scomo’s pathetic little stunt with the piece of coal in his hand? I do, and I will not forget it at the ballot box. Nor will I forget his little holiday in Hawaii while Australia burned. Or his little dummyspit “I can’t hold a hose”. No Mr PM, maybe you couldn’t actually hold a hose, but you should have been here to be with your fellow Australians in their time of need. That’s what a decent, caring PM would do. Scomo and his mob are in it for themselves. He is desperate to win the next election – just look how he attacked the NSW ICAC and badgered Ms Berejiklian to stand in Tony Abbot’s old seat. The lies come thick and fast from his mouth. Anything to hold on to power.

  5. Mr Franz, whose North Sydney-based property business is about the same distance from Robertson as Maitland, might recall the 4.4 billion in tax payer dollars allocated to subsidise the unviable Adani coal mine in Queensland.
    On the subject of potential compensation for PEP licence holders, is Mr Franz saying that PEP11 will likely go ahead despite Lucy Wicks’ vague ScoMo-backed assurances in her unconvincing ad campaign.

  6. Godfrey Franz | December 22, 2021 at 2:32 pm |

    From Vania Holt’s own web site –

    Who’s Vania?

    Vania Holt is the founder and Principal Solicitor of Vania Holt Legal. She has lived in the Maitland area for much of her life and loves it and the people. She wants to help people and businesses achieve their best (legally)!

    Vania is looking forward to helping individuals and businesses in Maitland and surrounding areas including Newcastle, Singleton and Lake Macquarie, and in the Central Coast with the new office in Erina, with all their litigation (court) and legal needs.

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