As minister says process needs to be ‘streamlined’, Greens and Lock the Gate say the legislation is ‘corrupt’ and tears up environmental protections Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Queenslanders’ right to object to mining projects – including coal – would be “gutted” by new legislation that would ban opponents from being heard in court without the minister’s approval and then only if they owned a property within a 125km radius of the project. The Greens have called the move “corrupt” and community action group Lock the Gate Alliance said the state’s LNP government was “tearing up democratic and environmental protections just to make life easier for mining companies”. Continue reading...

Exclusive: Advocate says homeless clearances should be halted after man is hospitalised during confrontation in Brisbane park Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A homeless man was shot with a Taser by police after attempting to take his own life during a tent city clearance, sparking calls for mental health considerations when dealing with move-on orders amid Queensland’s homelessness crisis. On 1 September, Moreton Bay city council rangers gave six homeless residents 24 hours to leave Pelican Park north of Brisbane, where Martin* had been living in a camper trailer, to make way for a kite festival this weekend. Continue reading...