Protesters wrestled off stage after targeting Qld Senator Murray Watt over coal and gas
Protesters have stormed the stage at a Queensland Media Club event targeting Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt.
Protesters have stormed the stage at a Queensland Media Club event targeting Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt.
Two protesters had to be wrestled off the stage by security after one ran onto the stage during a speech by the Queensland Senator, while another shouted from the crowd.
One of the protesters has been identified as Lock the Gate Alliance National Coordinator Ellen Roberts, who held up a flag on stage that said “Watt’s laws fast track coal and gas”.
Footage from the event shows security guards removing her from the event during Mr Watt’s opening speech which was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday.
Lock the Gate said in a statement the protest was to highlight how “the Albanese Government’s environment reforms will mean mining projects are assessed via streamlined assessment and quicker development pathways without considering climate impacts, and exclude the community”.
“Murray Watt is limbering up to do a dirty deal on these laws which will fast track coal and gas projects, and gut protections for the water that farmers and regional communities rely on,” Ms Roberts said.
Following the protest, Mr Watt admitted he was “getting to know those couple of people quite well over the last couple of months”.
“It’s a democracy. We’re all entitled to our side,” he said.
