Crisafulli Government’s New Mining Bill Strips Community Rights To Favour Vested Interests

The Wilderness Society has slammed the Mineral Resources Objections Reform and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, warning it deliberately undermines democratic oversight and shields destructive resource projects from public accountability. 

Queensland Campaigns Manager for the Wilderness Society, Emily Dickson, said:

“Genuine integrity in environmental decision-making relies on three fundamental pillars: the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to challenge. The Crisafulli Government’s Bill systematically weakens all three by handing discretionary power to politicians and restricting who can raise concerns. Imposing an arbitrary 125km boundary completely ignores ecological realities, as impacts on water systems, regional biodiversity, and climate. Restricting public scrutiny while allowing Ministers to decide which objections deserve a hearing directly denies Queenslanders access to justice and a fair process.

“Australia and Queensland’s environmental decision-making framework is already heavily skewed toward corporate interests. By curbing the right to object and replacing independent judicial hearings with Ministerial discretion, this legislation dismantles vital checks and balances while locking impacted communities out of the process.

“Landmark conservation victories across Australia were only possible because ordinary people had the legal right to challenge destructive industrial proposals. Instead of repairing a broken system and restoring public trust, this Bill prioritises the immediate interests of corporations over Queenslanders and the long-term protection of the place they call home. Queenslanders deserve transparent, accountable governance - not legislation designed to suppress their voice in favour of the big end of town.”