Queensland Homeless Man Tasered During Move-On Order for Kite Festival 2026

A homeless man in Queensland was shot with a Taser by police after attempting to take his own life during a tent city clearance to make way for a kite festival. The incident has sparked urgent calls for mental health considerations when dealing with move-on orders amid the state's growing homelessness crisis.

The Incident: Move-On Order and Self-Harm

On 1 September, Moreton Bay city council rangers issued a 24-hour move-on order to six homeless residents living in Pelican Park, north of Brisbane. The area was being cleared to host a kite festival over the weekend. Among those ordered to leave was Martin*, a 48-year-old man who had been living in a camper trailer. He was unable to comply because he had lost his driver's licence due to a drink-driving conviction.

"I was under the understanding that they were coming to basically take my shit," Martin told the Guardian. "In times gone past, I've complied. This time I can't, and they told me that basically they're going to impound everything." Martin, who is also battling prostate cancer, told rangers he would rather die than lose his few possessions. He then stabbed himself in the neck with a knife. Moments later, police shot him with a Taser at least twice. He said he had not threatened anyone else before injuring himself.

Police Response and Mental Health Concerns

A spokesperson for the Queensland police said officers had attempted to de-escalate the situation. However, the use of a Taser on a man in the midst of a mental health crisis has raised serious questions about how law enforcement handles such incidents. Advocates argue that move-on orders, especially when enforced without mental health support, can escalate vulnerable situations.

The incident highlights the broader issue of homelessness in Queensland, where rising rents and a lack of affordable housing have forced many into temporary camps. The clearance of Pelican Park for a kite festival has been criticised as prioritising public events over the welfare of homeless individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Homeless man Tasered after self-harm during a move-on order in Queensland.
• The clearance was to make way for a kite festival, raising ethical concerns.
• Calls for mental health considerations in enforcing move-on orders.
• Highlights the ongoing homelessness crisis and lack of support services.

Comparison: Move-On Orders vs. Mental Health Support

The table below contrasts the current approach with a proposed mental health-focused response:

The Broader Context: Homelessness in Queensland

Queensland's homelessness crisis has been exacerbated by the housing affordability crisis. Many individuals like Martin are living in precarious situations, often with mental health issues and limited access to support. The use of move-on orders without adequate mental health assessments can lead to tragic outcomes.

Community groups are calling for reforms that prioritise mental health and housing support over punitive measures. The incident at Pelican Park serves as a stark reminder of the need for a compassionate approach to homelessness.

FAQ

The incident in Queensland underscores the urgent need for a more humane and effective approach to addressing homelessness, one that prioritises mental health and dignity over punitive measures.

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