Wife of Queensland integrity review boss in court for Extinction Rebellion climate protest
The wife of the man who led a Queensland government integrity review is among a group of climate change protesters who have been banned from Brisbane's Parliament House.
Lee Ann Coaldrake on Wednesday appeared in court for the first time as part of a 14-strong contingent from the Extinction Rebellion group who have been accused of disturbing state parliament.
They were arrested after allegedly holding a protest at a parliamentary sitting on November 30, 2022.
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Lee Ann Coaldrake and Wendy Hawksworth talk to the media outside Brisbane Magistrates Court following a climate protest inside Queensland parliament last year. AAP
Magistrate Peter Saggers allowed bail for the 14 protesters on the condition that they do "not enter to within the fence line" of Parliament House.
Coaldrake is the wife of former Queensland University of Technology vice-chancellor Peter Coaldrake.
He led a review into the culture and accountability of the Annastacia Palaszczuk government's public sector.
Mr Coaldrake handed down a report in June 2022 with 14 recommendations which the premier pledged to accept in full.
The 14 protesters - aged between 24 and 82 - have been charged with disturbing the legislature.
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Peter Coaldrake beside Deputy Queensland Prier Steven Miles. Nine
They are accused of unfurling banners "Stop Gas" and "Stop Coal" before chanting during question time.
"There is a general overreach I think across Australia by governments state and federal who are trying to silence climate protesters," Ms Coaldrake told media outside court.
"The 14 of us are in solidarity. What we have in common is a belief in the science ... (about) what the future holds for our children and grandchildren.
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"That's why we are here. It's not about the court or us being punished. We are here because we are not acting appropriately or urgently enough on climate change."
They will next appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 15.
Asked if they would fight the charge, one of the protesters Miree Le Roy said: "Of course, absolutely."
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