Yesterday the Council wrote to Hon Paul Scully MP,  Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, to stand up for Yes23 campaigners who have been moved along by Council Rangers while handing out information relating to the referendum to change the Australian Constitution.

It is a fundamental part of our democratic system of government that people can freely associate, distribute material, and communicate with others about changes to the Australian Constitution. We were alarmed by these actions on behalf of the State which are fundamentally undemocratic and a draconian breach of civil liberties.

We wrote the the Minister seeking an assurance that all rangers, police and other authorised officers will refrain from moving along any referendum campaigners or taking enforcement action pursuant to the Regulations. This must stop now!

Minister Scully's office has responded that they have "provided corrective advice to the Rangers team that there is no issue with the distribution of material in connection with the upcoming Voice referendum".  We have received an assurance that should volunteers return to Place Management precincts, they will be able to hand out materials.

Read our letter here.