The Labor and Greens-controlled Senate has postponed the federal inquiry into the offshore wind industry's consultation process, causing community outrage.

Originally set to conclude by 13 February, the Senate Committee has delayed the report's release until 13 March.

Submissions for the Inquiry, which closed on 30 August, 2024, have raised serious concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the consultation process. 

Despite earlier commitments to hold public hearings and complete the inquiry before a federal election, the delay has led to suspicions of political interference, as an early election could undermine efforts to ensure proper scrutiny and public involvement.

Alex O’Brien, President of Responsible Future Illawarra, says the delay is unacceptable.

“We expected a prompt and fair review, but what we're seeing is a clear political strategy to avoid accountability especially if there are no public inquiries,” says O’Brien.

Ben Abbott from No Offshore Turbines Port Stephens says that the community genuinely engaged with the inquiry and have not been treated with the same respect in return.

“The community's participation in this Inquiry was in good faith and I am disgusted with the way the Port Stephens community has been treated from the very start and nothing has changed,” says Abbott.

Responsible Future Illawarra and No Turbines Port Stephens view the situation as a political manoeuvre that compromises transparency and accountability. 

They are determined to continue opposing offshore wind projects and are calling on the Senate Committee to complete the inquiry before the federal election, to ensure that Australians’ democratic right to be heard is protected.