A journalist from The Bugle was removed from an anti-wind farm meeting at Kiama Leagues Club despite pre-booking a ticket and clearly identifying as a journalist on 13 November 2023. 

About 120 people were in attendance.

About half an hour into the meeting, a member of the committee asked the reporter to turn off their phone, as recording was not allowed. After speaking to the other members of the committee to confirm that recording was not allowed, the journalist then returned to their seat. The Bugle journalist complied to the request. 

The committee member then sat next to the journalist.

Even though the journalist complied and showed that the phone was off, she started repeatedly poking them with her fingers.

The woman returned to sit next to them and continued to poke them in their side and thigh, until they stated they were uncomfortable with her sitting next to them and changed seats. Multiple witnesses saw the incident and said they would be willing to make a statement to The Bugle.

She then notified staff who asked the journalist to leave, as it was a private function. Staff escorted the Bugle journalist to the front desk before they left the premises. The Kiama Leagues Club said that a couple of the organisers approached them on the night to request that the Leagues Club remove the journalist and the staff complied. However, he was not required to leave the club but just the private meeting.

The meeting was organised by South Coast Liberal Paul Elli and Mike Cains who were unaware media were asked to leave the meeting.

And a response from a Bugle reader: Who said the old Menzies attitude was not alive and well?

Edit: After speaking with Michael Cains, who competently organised the event, Cain was adamant that he was unaware of anyone being removed and that he had personally invited The Bugle to attend. He said it was a wonderful meeting and was very upset to hear of this incident. He said that he had ensured that the event was open to everyone. He didn't believe the woman in question was part of the organising committee and her identity is unconfirmed at this stage.

The journalist was very shaken at the brazen attack but did not want to make a scene at the time.