WORLD · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Homeless Man Shot with Taser in Queensland Amid Kite Festival Eviction
WHY IT MATTERS
The incident highlights the need for authorities to consider the mental health and well-being of homeless individuals when enforcing move-on orders, particularly in situations where evictions coincide with major events or festivals.
What happened
A homeless man in Queensland was shot with a Taser by police after attempting to take his own life during a confrontation in Pelican Park, north of Brisbane. The incident occurred on 1 September, when Moreton Bay city council rangers gave six homeless residents, including Martin, 24 hours to leave the park to make way for a kite festival.
Martin had been living in a camper trailer in the park. The advocate for the homeless residents has called for a halt to homeless clearances, citing the need for mental health considerations when dealing with move-on orders.
The man was hospitalised following the incident.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Queensland homeless man shot with Taser after being given move-on order to make way for kite festival
The Guardian · Andrew Messenger · Discovery only; Guardian content licensing terms apply