Restore democracy in Queensland

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Stephen Andrew MP
PO Box 56
SARINA QLD 4737
Total Signatures - 17,872
Sponsoring Member: Mr Steve Andrew MP
Posting Date: 5/7/2021
Closing Date: 30/8/2021
Tabled Date: 1/9/2021
Responded By: Hon Yvette D'Ath MP on 1/10/2021
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that the Public Health and Other Legislation (Further Extension of Expiring Provisions) Amendment Bill, tabled 16 June 2021, will extend Queensland’s ‘State of Emergency’ powers and measures into a third year. There needs to be a public discussion on the great danger posed to Queensland’s democracy by all these rolling emergency powers, lockdowns and abrogation of citizens’ rights. Powers granted under emergency legislation are supposed to be exceptional and time-limited. After 18 months, there is no justifiable reason why the Government can’t legislate for more reduced powers that allow Government to deal with the situation at hand while restoring many of the State’s normal democratic processes. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to: 

1. Oppose the bill and request the Government prepare a new one that better reflects the paramountcy of Parliament and citizens’ rights;

2. Make public, without redaction, all data, modelling and forecasts used by the Government in the decision-making process;

3. End the overuse of delegated legislation, which override the usual checks and balances needed for a functioning democracy;

4. End QR ‘sign in’ mandates for shops and businesses and allow people who are not at high risk from the virus, due to age or co-morbidities, to resume normal living;

5. Normalise democratic processes and  freedoms in Queensland.