AFP Assistant Commissioner Kirsty Schofield said this outcome was the result of diligent investigation and financial analysis in the wake of the initial Operation Elbrus arrests.
In imposing the penalties, Judge Stewart Brown found that the affected worker was vulnerable and remained “out of pocket” despite direct requests to the cleaning operator.
“This process shows the right checks and balances are in place to protect groundwater, however, anti-coal activists have begun a misinformation campaign to twist the truth."
While the family is safe, their home has been destroyed and will need to be demolished and rebuilt. Many of their personal belongings were also lost in the fire.