Molly the magpie to remain with Gold Coast carers indefinitely, Queensland government rules

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The long-running saga of the Gold Coast's infamous magpie Molly has finally come to a close.

The state government confirmed on Tuesday that the bird would not be taken away, even though the couple looking after it didn't have a licence to do so.

Molly the magpie became an unlikely celebrity in 2021 thanks to its special bond with Peggy the Staffordshire terrier, who shared a home with Gold Coast couple Reece Mortensen and Juliette Wells.

Revoked a special permit that had been given to the carers.

Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell has now described Molly as "a wild bird" – saying the couple don't need a permit to keep her.

"We're not going to catch the bird," Mr Powell said.

My understanding from the documents I've received from my department is that the bird is free to move in and out as it likes, effectively it's a wild bird … so a permit isn't needed.

Public outcry over removal

Apprehended Molly in March last year.

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The couple, however, had to apply to the Queensland environment department for a special wildlife permit, and agree that they wouldn't profit from the magpie or its photo.

But in November, the couple lost their right to care for the bird after it was discovered the decision to let them do so was invalid, as decided by the Queensland Supreme Court.

State legislation under review

Mr Powell said that even though the case has been finalised, the department is reviewing its laws.

"To be straight up, this whole Molly the magpie incident has certainly put a magnifying glass on our laws and legislation, and I and my department are reviewing them to figure out what needs to be changed so that a situation like this doesn't happen again," he said.

Mr Mortensen and Ms Wells have been asked to provide a response.