The state government of Queensland in Australia is about to turn democracy on its head.
The Queensland government has passed new laws that will prevent most Queenslanders going to the land court to object to proposed mining projects.
The laws also remove the rights of anyone to object to environmental approval applications for small-scale mining lease applications.
The government says the Mineral and Resources (Common Provisions) bill will stop environmental groups and individuals from launching actions to delay projects. The new laws will only allow directly affected landholders, their immediate neighbours and local councils to go to court.
Green groups, the state Labor opposition and other minor parties have criticised the legislation as an attack on democracy.
With mining projects planned for high quality agricultural land to residential areas the right to protest is more important than ever before.
It is a fundamental principle of democracy that government should not introduce legislation that is designed to protect the interests of unsustainable businesses, particularly when it yokes the rights of those that vote.
Please sign and share the petition to demand the Queensland government reverses its ban of environmental protests against mining.
