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Rex Patrick

@mrrexpatrick.bsky.social
7.6K followers 18 following 1.9K posts

Transparency Warrior, small business owner, former Independent Senator for SA and former submariner.

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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 18h
After a week in Adelaide teaching, doing and defending FOI wins, I’m off to Canberra for more FOI-related work. But I’m going via the Grampians for a few days of mountain-based work. I just stopped by the River Murray to finish/file an article. Tailem Bend, SA. #WorkFromRoam.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 18h
A case like this has not been brought before, but the constitutional principles are solid, and the impact of a win will be very significant. The case will be heard in Sydney on 2 and 3 Nov. Patrick vs Secretary DCCEEW, Minister Bowen and Snowy Hydro Ltd 3/3 #SaveTheDate #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 22h
A case like this has not been brought before, but the constitutional principles are solid, and the impact of a win will be very significant. The case will be heard in Sydney on 2 and 3 Nov. Patrick vs Secretary DCCEEW, Minister Bowen and Snowy Hydro Ltd 3/3 #SaveTheDate #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 22h
A minister cannot be restrained from making public, through #FOI, information about the performance of Snowy 2.0, or other publicly funded projects. This is an important transparency and accountability case. 2/3 #PublicInterest #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 22h
👇I love my barristers, Mr Tom Brennan SC and Paul Farrell.👇 Can a government and a company, in this case Snowy Hydro Ltd (SHL), enter into a contract to keep a publicly funded project’s cost and schedule blowouts a secret? The answer has to be “no”! 1/3 #FOI #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
After time at the bar table of the Federal Court today, it’s nice to appreciate the colours of a nice sunset. Christies Beach, City of Onkaparinga, SA #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
We have a right to know where #AUKUS nuclear waste will be buried, and how our Foreign Investment Review Board decides if Aussie companies can be sold to foreigners. Despite the Govt appealing my #FOI wins, and seeking legal costs if I lose, I’m in for the fight. Game on! #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Both matters are in the Adelaide Federal Court today for an initial hearing. I’m asking the Court to give me a protective cost order of 5 cents (the smallest coin in the realm) to set a precedent for others, who in future, might face the Govt’s new secrecy strategy. #FOI #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The Govt has appealed another of my #FOI wins to the Federal Court. Again it’s seeking costs against me if I’m unsuccessful defending my win. It turns out winning an FOI in a Tribunal is expensive - and that’s exactly the message the Govt wants to send to citizens. 1/2 #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Defence Minister Richard Marles is oblivious to that which is obvious to everybody else: Britain cannot deliver our future #AUKUS subs on schedule (if at all). Luckily for Richard, it’s only our money and national security that’s at stake. #auspol
johnmenadue.com
Why Britain cannot deliver SSN-AUKUS on schedule
Britain says SSN-AUKUS remains on track. But its shipyards are already stretched while new reactor and workforce capacity is still being built. Australia is betting heavily on that gap being closed in...
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Instead of the Reserve Bank reducing inflation by increasing the amount of money we have to give to the banks, why not increase the amount of money we have to pay into our own superannuation accounts? #NewApproach #OurMoney #auspol
7news.com.au
Australia braces for second-highest interest rates in developed world
Australia faces a potential Reserve Bank interest rate hike that would give it the second-highest cash rate in the developed world, behind only Iceland.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
UK Prime Minister Burnham wants submarines and shipyards to be his country’s economic engine. Why not, especially when Australian taxpayers are helping foot the bill. #AUKUS #auspol
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Reposted by Rex Patrick
Quentin Dempster @quentindempster.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Please Senator Jane Hume don’t sell out Australia’s original content creators to US AI with your “getting the balance right” response. Our American friends will walk through our Copyright Act with Trump’s support. Time for our ALP/LNP duopoly to demand fair compensation for local AI training.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
That’s because a law has been created to deal with that circumstance. And that’s my point.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
That’s not how it works in a court room.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
AI isn’t a legal person so can’t be found guilty or go to jail for its criminal acts. And if it’s AI gone rogue, the developer/operator of the AI currently can’t be found guilty either - there’s no ‘guilty mind’ needed for conviction. What to do? #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
Criminal bots. When AI goes rogue, who goes to jail? - Michael West
Artificial Intelligence bots do not have a legal personality and can’t go to jail. But who is to be held responsible for their criminal acts?
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
UN AI scientific panel: “There is no assurance that humans can reliably keep AI agents under control today, particularly as they become more capable, harder to monitor and better at finding loopholes or hiding their activity” #auspol
theguardian.com
OpenAI hack on Australian government reveals anxiety at heart of global artificial intelligence dilemma
As the UN warns traditional safeguards are ‘unravelling’, Donald Trump says he will encourage, not restrain, the AI race
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
In a world where our Defence Dept says we have a threat warning time of <10 years, one of our chosen #AUKUS sub build partners has just taken 13 years to build a sub. Oh, and they haven’t been able to put an SSN to sea for 120 days. 🤦‍♂️ #wrongchoice #auspol
navylookout.com
Royal Navy’s newest attack submarine HMS Agamemnon leaves shipyard after 13 years under construction - Navy Lookout
The RN's latest SSN, HMS Agamemnon, has sailed from BAE Systems' Barrow-in-Furness shipyard for the first time and is heading for her new home at HM Naval Base Clyde. The departure marks the first in ...
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
First light over the Flinders Ranges. Today I’m writing submissions on why the Govt should not be keeping documents on the future of the Whyalla Steelworks secret. Coincidentally I’m in Whyalla. Whyalla, South Australia. #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
The Govt spent $79,200 looking into the company and👇directors👇, but weren’t interested in letting the public (who paid for the analysis) see the results. They let them trade on causing financial holes in local businesses that the public then had to fill. 2/2 #FOI #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
As early as Oct 2024 the Federal Govt knew the #Whyalla steelworks would go into administration and were looking into its owner’s ‘shell game’ corporate structure. They said nothing, and have only reluctantly released 👇this👇 under pressure of ART #FOI proceedings 1/2 #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
ICYMI 2/2 #duplicitous #climate #auspol australiainstitute.org.au/post/north-w...
australiainstitute.org.au
North West Shelf final approval a climate, economic and energy security disaster
Australia Institute analysis shows today's final approval of the 45-year expansion of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas export terminal is equivalent to building 12 new coal power stations.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“There’s no avoiding the scale of our responsibility – or the cost of inaction,” says @albomp.bsky.social, the leader of a government that readily and repeatedly approves new, or extends exisiting, fossil fuel projects. 🤷‍♂️ 1/2 #duplicitous #climate #auspol
theguardian.com
No avoiding the cost of inaction on climate, Anthony Albanese says in New York
Before United Nations meeting, prime minister says Australians knows the impact of global heating as well as anyone
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I’m slowly making my way to Adelaide for a Federal Court #FOI hearing. Such wonderful #WorkFromRoam locations along the way. Island Lagoon, Northern SA.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
There’s a real possibility nuclear weapons will be onboard the US submarines that’ll be based at HMAS Stirling south of Perth. It is being talked about, including by well-informed US Congressmen, but not by @albomp.bsky.social’s Govt. #AUKUS #auspol michaelwest.com.au/marles-schtu...
michaelwest.com.au
Marles schtum, but US congressman suggests Perth is going nuclear - Michael West
There is a real possibility nuclear weapons will be carried onboard US submarines to be based at HMAS Stirling.
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Reposted by Rex Patrick
Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I’m back in my beloved state of South Australia and about to initiate an SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal review of a Mt Barker Council #FOI. Councils can sometimes be more secretive than governments. 13 km south of Coober Pedy, Northern SA. #WorkFromRoam #solitude
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
ICYMI 2/2 #AUKUS #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
Government playing word games with nuclear weapons - Michael West
While a treaty prohibits nuclear weapons stationed in Australia, the Government tries to circumvent it, playing word-games.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A year ago I wrote about nuclear weapons being on US subs to be based at HMAS Stirling (see 2/2). Other articles have been written since. Now a US congressman is talking about it. @albomp.bsky.social’s govt remains silent on the issue. 1/2 #AUKUS #auspol
theage.com.au
US subs in Australia could be armed with nukes, says key Republican after visit
“It’s kind of an unveiled threat to have a nuclear sub going around without any weapons,” said Michael McCaul, who chairs the Friends of Australia caucus in the US Congress.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I’m back in my beloved state of South Australia and about to initiate an SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal review of a Mt Barker Council #FOI. Councils can sometimes be more secretive than governments. 13 km south of Coober Pedy, Northern SA. #WorkFromRoam #solitude
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
@albomp.bsky.social’s👇answer👇 to a question today from @allegraspender.bsky.social about his willingness to proactively disclose his diary reminded me of Scott Morrison saying it was a triumph that protesters outside Parliament House weren't "met with bullets". #LostThePlot #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Shameful. I’m having to fight taxpayer-funded lawyers (Clayton Utz) on the secrecy Govt is imposing on the expenditure of public money and the future of our nation’s steel making capabilities. A hearing will take place on 28 and 29 Oct. 2/2 #FOI #SaveTheDate #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
@albomp.bsky.social’s Govt is planning to spend >$1B on the Whyalla Steelworks👏, but is refusing to release details of its plan, in part because it would “cause concern to the Whyalla community”. I wonder how it could cause more concern than yesterday’s 500 job losses? 1/2 #FOI #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The UK’s new Prime Minister clearly didn’t get Defence Minister Richard Marles’ memo stating “#AUKUS is full steam ahead”. Or maybe Marles was just referring to the pace at which our Treasury is sending cheques to the UK. 🤷‍♂️ #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Sunset NT style. Boxhole Crater, 180 km northeast of Alice Springs, Outback, NT #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
ICYMI #saparli
michaelwest.com.au
Back-Scratching. Premier Malinauskus’ love-in with Newscorp exposed - Michael West
Rex Patrick FOIs expose the cosy relationship between SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp, and its large advertisers
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
For the past 4 years Peter Malinauskas Govt has being using taxpayers’ money to pay the The Advertiser to write puff pieces on how good his govt is (see 2/2). Mali claims the arrangement is confidential. He won’t be happy with the Ombudsman’s provisional #FOI decision👇. 1/2 #saparli
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Pork-barrelling is using public money to buy votes for party and individual candidate gain. It’s corruption, but it’s here to stay because both major parties are in on the rort, putting political self-interest ahead of public interest and integrity. #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
Pork barrelling is back, to stay. It's corrupt but Coalition barely calls out Labor - Michael West
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was called out by Centre for Public Integrity for spending public money for political advantage.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#WorkFromRoam has its downsides. My crater-side breakfast would have been just that more perfect if I hadn’t forgotten to bring the yogurt. 🤦‍♂️
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
ICYMI 2/2 #AUKUS #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
AUKUS Inquiry exposes nuclear weapon-sized crater - Michael West
The AUKUS Public Inquiry reminds Australians of a nuclear weapon proliferation problem which could stop the program. Rex Patrick reports
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
If we do not reach agreement with the IAEA that is then approved by it’s governing board, the US and UK will not transfer nuclear subs to Australia. The UK is feeling anxious - it desperately needs Australian taxpayers’s money. 1/2 #AUKUS #auspol
gov.uk
UK Right of Reply on behalf of AUKUS partners IAEA September 2026
Delivered to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, September 2026. Agenda item: Transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The sun pushes above the horizon, casting light on an empty outback. I share a meteorite crater with no one. I’ll get a lot of work done today! Boxhole Crater, 180 km northeast of Alice Springs, Outback, NT #WorkFromRoam #solivagant
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today I moved my office to the rim of a meteorite crater. It’s a great place to quietly ponder holes in some #FOI decisions I’m appealing. Boxhole Crater, 180 km northeast of Alice Springs, Outback, NT #WorkFromRoam #solitude
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
There's no safe space for parks in Adelaide. There's no safe space for trees in the Adelaide Park Lands. But, in response to an #FOI request, the Govt insists there's a safe space from accountability for the SA Motor Sports Board. #appealed #saparli
michaelwest.com.au
No safe space for trees but SA Motor Sports Board safe from scrutiny - Michael West
While no trees are safe from SA Premier Peter "the wrecker" Malinauskas, his minions protect the Motor Sports Board.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A new era in the Senate? Perhaps it’s happened before, but I can’t recall the Greens ever splitting on a vote as they did today in response to National Senator Ross Cadell’s proposed disallowance of a carbon credits legislative instrument. #split #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Lacking any understanding of the concept of 'social licence' the gas lobby are at it again trying to preserve the super profits which have cost Australians and Australian manufacturing so dearly. The greed just never stops! #auspol
afr.com
Santos CEO wants gas reserve rules set, but with key changes
Kevin Gallagher will use a speech in Canberra on Wednesday to spell out the need for critical tweaks in the reservation system to clear the way for investment.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
VW Touareg.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I’ve crossed into the Territory to use #FOI to conduct some northern exposure. Plenty Highway, Tobermorey Station, NT. #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Public funds should be spent on the basis of need, merit and value for money - not to benefit a political party or a member of a political party who gains or retains a well paid job. Disgracefully both major parties engage in this corruption. #auspol 👉 www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Decisions on whether Australia goes to war are made years, perhaps decades, prior to the commencement of a conflict. #SovereigntyGivenAway #NoAccountability #auspol
theguardian.com
The US now has access to more than half Australia’s military bases – could it drag the country unwillingly into war?
Exclusive: US-controlled weapons corporations and forces have control or access to more than 100 facilities across the continent, which some analysts describe as a ‘colonisation’ of Australia’s milita...
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
In a masterpiece of urban planning Colonel William Light designed Adelaide as a city inside a park. Peter ‘Chopper’ Malinauskas is using a patchwork of vanity projects to end Light’s vision, signing a death warrant for 1,400 trees along the way. #saparli
michaelwest.com.au
Peter ‘Chopper’ Malinauskas to plonk MotoGP in Adelaide's cherished Park Lands - Michael West
Premier Peter Malinauskas plans to chop down 400 trees in Adelaide's Park Lands for the MotoGP Grand Prix. Rex Patrick reports.
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