The group unfurled Extinction Rebellion-branded banners over the public gallery balcony during question time and chanted “stop coal,stop gas”,momentarily derailing proceedings.
Nine people – five women and four men ranging in age from 53 to 81 – are set to appear in court in February.Robert Rough
The protesters were then ushered out by police as Speaker Curtis Pitt ordered the balcony be closed off.
Pitt labelled the use of a wheelchair access point to bypass metal scanners and smuggle a camera into the room to livestream the event – a breach of parliamentary rules –.
He asked police to charge the protesters,parliamentary security to review the event,and to investigate whether the group had been “aided or abetted by any members of staff”.
He also asked the committee to look into a supportive social media post from Maiwar Greens MP Michael Berkman.
On Wednesday,police confirmed nine people – five women and four men ranging in age from 53 to 81 – had been issued with a notice to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court.
“They have each been charged with one count of disturbing the legislature and are all expected to appear in court on Wednesday,February 1,” a spokesperson said.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and come after the for blocking peak-hour traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in protest over inaction on climate change.
In a statement after last week’s protest,Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Dave Tucker said the state Labor government’s plan to reduce emissions did not go far enough to help rein in global warming.
The International Energy Agency has warned new coal,gas and oil projects to help keep warming as close to the Paris target of 1.5 degrees as possible.
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