Criminal charges brought by Queensland Police against anti-coal activist Coedie McAvoy returned to Emerald Magistrates Court earlier this week, almost a year after Mr McAvoy allegedly assaulted two workers at the Carmichael mine in central Queensland by forcing their work vehicle to stop and then attempting to drag the Indigenous environmental ranger from the car under the threat of subjecting the worker to “tribal law.”
Mr McAvoy was arrested after he allegedly assaulted the Indigenous environmental ranger and a Bravus Mining and Resources security guard as the pair went about their routine and lawful work on the Carmichael Mining Lease, near Clermont in central Queensland, on 27 February 2023.
Mr McAvoy was due to face a summary trial on 14 December 2023, but the matter was diverted to the restorative justice pathway, which later failed.
A Bravus Mining and Resources spokesperson said the alleged assault occurred when Mr McAvoy and an associate used a trail bike to block the track the workers were driving on, which forced them to stop.
It is alleged that Mr McAvoy then opened the door of the vehicle the Bravus workers were travelling in and attempted to drag the Indigenous environmental ranger from the vehicle under the threat of subjecting the worker to Mr McAvoy’s “tribal law.”
It is alleged that in a video of the incident the frightened worker is heard telling Mr McAvoy “I just want to do my job” as Mr McAvoy stands near him.
“Prior to the alleged assault, Mr McAvoy posted threats to social media asking our cultural heritage workers if they are willing to die for their job,” the Bravus spokesperson said.
“He also made threats that our workers “won’t be walking out” if they enter areas of our mining lease where he is camped on the mining lease without our permission.
“Mr McAvoy’s alleged victims suffered fear and shock following the assault and so this year of legal delays has been very trying for them. We continue to provide them with support.
“Like every law-abiding Queenslander, mine workers and cultural heritage workers at our Carmichael mine have the right to feel safe at work and go about their jobs free from intimidation, harassment, or violence.”
Mr McAvoy has been charged with two counts of common assault. Mr McAvoy has maintained an unauthorised protest camp on the Carmichael Mining Lease for more than two years.
“He opposes the mine, in contrast to the majority of Traditional Owners who negotiated an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with Bravus Mining and Resources and are working proactively with the company to manage cultural heritage and the environment at the mine,” the spokesperson added.
Caption: Mr McAvoy outside Clermont Magistrates Court on 12 April 2023. Photo supplied: Bravus Mining and Resources
