Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Extracts from minutes

87

- That witnesses be requested to return answers to questions taken on notice and any

supplementary questions within 14 days of the date on which the questions are

forwarded to witnesses.

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9.25 am.

4. Public hearing - Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority regarding

the NSW East Coast severe weather from May 2025

Witnesses and the public were admitted. The Chair opening the public hearing at 9.30 am

and made a short opening statement.

Mr Jacob Walsh, NSW State Director was affirmed and examined by videoconference.

Mr Brendan Pearce, Senior Adviser, Engagement, Australian Red Cross was sworn and

examined by videoconference.

Ms Joy Kyriacou, Director of Programs, Members and Volunteers, St Vincent de Paul

Society was sworn and examined.

Ms Clare Van Doorn, Regional Director, Operations North East, St Vincent de Paul Society

was affirmed and examined.

Mr Walsh and Ms Van Doorn each made opening statements. The Committee questioned

the witnesses.

Evidence concluded, the witnesses withdrew.

Ms Cara Varian, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) was

affirmed and examined.

Ms Eleanor Harris, Senior Project Officer, NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) was sworn

and examined.

Mr Omar Bensaidi, Senior Policy Officer, Homelessness NSW was affirmed and examined.

Ms Varian and Mr Bensaidi each made opening statements. The Committee questioned

the witnesses.

Evidence concluded, the witnesses withdrew.

The hearing adjourned at 11.10 am and recommenced at 11.31 am.

Ms Sally Bryant, Manager, Disaster Response Legal Service and Ms Elizabeth Lehmann,

Senior Solicitor, Disaster Response Legal Service, Legal Aid NSW were affirmed and

examined by videoconference.

Mr Lawrence declared that an existing social relationship with Ms Elizabeth Lehmann.

Ms Bryant made an opening statement. The Committee questioned the witnesses.