[15] Leading up to the planned week of action, the Blockade Australia campsite located at a property in Colo, New South Wales was being monitored by police.

After lying still for a time, "as if they're playing dead", one of the camouflaged officers was reported to have said "we've been compromised" into a covert radio before running into an unmarked car that was prevented from leaving the campsite.

[19] Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce stated about the Port of Newcastle shutdown "If they've got other ways that this nation can earn money right now, then we're all ears... but in the meantime, we've got to make a buck.

"[2][20][21] The New South Wales treasurer and energy minister Matt Kean has asked police to "throw the book" at Blockade Australia activists.

[2] Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Taylor Martin stated "I support the Police in seeking the maximum possible sentence for anybody involved in these idiotic acts".

"[22] Members of the New South Wales Parliament cited the activities of Blockade Australia as a key motivation for increased criminal penalties for protestors under the Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.