The Queensland government has dismissed claims that they used the onset of Tropical Cyclone Alfred as a pretext to terminate an ongoing review concerning the way mining lease objections are processed by the state land court.
The Queensland Law Reform Commission had been overseeing this independent review since June 2023, with final recommendations due on June 30.
On March 4th, as the cyclone loomed over the state, Attorney General Deb Frecklington suspended the review, effectively halting the process. This decision came amid cycling conditions and barred from public scrutiny.
Opposition leader, Steven Miles, accused the government of attempting to enact this change under the “cover” of the cyclone, suggesting that this was a stealthy maneuver.
Miles argued this was a calculated attempt by the Attorney General and the LNP to govern in secrecy.
Frecklington countered by saying she had scheduled a meeting with the chair of QLRC on February 25th to arrange the cancellation.
The cabinet resources committee, comprising senior LNP figures, will now take over, signaling a shift in oversight and priorities.
Critics argue that the committee, comprising government ministers, lacks the impartiality of the QLRC and undermines the community’s role in the review process.
This move parallels previous actions by the Newman government to limit objectors’ standing in resource project developments.
Community and environmental defenders have voiced their discontent over the cancellation, with fears it is designed to suppress findings that might not align with mining interests.
Legal experts and indigenous rights advocates have raised concerns about the lack of independent oversight and consideration of indigenous rights in the decision-making process.
The LNP also intends to tighten regulation on renewable projects and extend the operational life of coal plants, reflecting a shift away from a renewable energy agenda.
QLRC has expressed disappointment but respects the Attorney General’s decision, though some question the transparency and motives behind this move.
