Wife of gov integrity report author to stand trial for parliament protest

The case against the wife of Queensland’s integrity czar for allegedly disrupting parliament with an environmental protest will go to trial.

The case against the wife of Queensland’s integrity czar for allegedly disrupting parliament with an environmental protest will proceed.

Dr Lee Ann Coaldrake, whose husband Peter carried out an integrity review for the Labor government, is facing a single count of disturbing the legislature after the retired anaesthetist and other Extinction Rebellion members demonstrated inside Parliament House on November 30, 2022.

Prof Peter Coaldrake and Dr Lee Coaldrake.

Dr Lee Ann Coaldrake outside Brisbane Magistrates Court. Picture: Liam Kidston

At Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday Magistrate Joseph Pinder said the rarely charged offence would go ahead after the Environmental Defenders Officer, which is representing Coaldrake, had previously raised an issue at law.

“The charge is good at law and can proceed,” Mr Pinder said.

He did not read his decision but gave copies of it to the parties.

Coaldrake along with nine other women and four men were charged over the incident which saw the protesters unfurl banners over the railing of the public gallery which read “stop coal, stop gas” and “Qld coal burnt anywhere causes climate hell”.

Extinction Rebellion protesters at Roma Street Magistrates Court, in February 2023. Picture: Richard Walker

The protesters chanted slogans including “stop coal, stop gas” and caused a short interruption of about three minutes to parliament.

Coaldrake, whose husband is also a former Queensland University of Technology vice-chancellor, has pleaded not guilty to a single charge of disturbing the legislature.

Mr Pinder was only hearing the charge in relation to her.

Coaldrake’s trial date was set for April 17.

Dr Lee Ann Coaldrake with supporters outside Brisbane Magistrates Court. Picture: Liam Kidston