Anti-coal activist Coedie McAvoy convicted of assaulting Queensland mine workers

Anti-coal activist Coedie McAvoy has been convicted in Clermont Magistrates Court of the unprovoked assault of an 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.

The assault occurred on 27 February 2023 when Mr McAvoy and an associate used a trail bike to block the track the workers were driving on, forcing them to stop.

Mr McAvoy then opened the door of the Bravus work vehicle and attempted to drag the Indigenous environmental ranger from the car under the threat of subjecting the worker to Mr McAvoy’s “tribal law.”

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 over him.

A Bravus Mining and Resources spokesperson said the assault took place just days after Mr McAvoy made a series of threats of violence against Traditional Owners working to manage cultural heritage and the environment at the Carmichael mine.

“Two weeks prior to this assault, Mr McAvoy made public threats via his social media channels asking our cultural heritage workers if they are willing to die for their job,” the spokesperson said.

“He made threats that our workers “won’t be walking out” if they enter areas of our mining lease where he is camped without our permission.

“Bravus Mining and Resources notified the Queensland Police of these threats on 10 February 2023 but disappointingly no action was taken to restrain Mr McAvoy’s access to Bravus’ mining lease.

“While we are pleased Mr McAvoy has finally been convicted of these assaults, we are disappointed the authorities have not done more to uphold mine workers and cultural heritage workers’ rights to feel safe at work and go about their jobs free from intimidation, harassment, or violence by anti-coal activists.”

Mr McAvoy has maintained an unauthorised protest camp on the Carmichael Mining Lease for about three 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.

Mr McAvoy was convicted and fined $100 for each charge of common assault. No conviction was recorded.

ENDS

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