Qld premier acts with new laws targeting ‘sinister’ Adani, farming protesters

After weeks of disruption, new Qld laws target protesters putting bystanders at risk.

A protest by Extinction Revolution which brought Brisbane’s CBD to a standstill saw two protesters glue themselves to the road in Post Office Square. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will target the “sinister” tactics used by environment protesters, warning they have put people at risk.

Queensland cabinet has approved new laws allowing police to intervene.

After weeks of disruptive protests by anti-Adani and anti-farming protesters, and a green group known as Extinction Rebellion, Ms Palaszczuk today told parliament she was concerned they were putting police, emergency services personnel and bystanders in danger.

Ms Palaszczuk said Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll last week provided evidence that protesters, in seeking to prevent their removal from public thoroughfares, had locked their arms in steel cylinders, and drums filled with concrete, “laced with traps that are dangerous”.

Everyone has the right to conduct a peaceful protest but the activities of some are not. Blocking roads is dangerous, reckless, irresponsible, selfish and stupid. The sinister tactics some protesters are using are dangerous and designed to harm. pic.twitter.com/y7Izir3SuD

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) August 19, 2019

These included glass fragments and butane gas containers to hinder any efforts to remove them.

In response, the new laws will give police the power to search anyone they reasonably suspect to be in possession of such devices, which will constitute an offence. Separate offences relating to trespass will also be upgraded.

“The right to protest comes second to everyone’s right to safety,” Ms Palaszczuk told parliament.