The NSW Council for Civil Liberties has written to the NSW Attorney General asking for an urgent explanation as to why the NSW Government has failed to table a report into the review of the draconian anti protest laws. Failure to release this report amounts to a breach of section 214B of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). 

Section 214B of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) outlines that the government must table a report into the review of the Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Act 2022 (NSW). According to the legislation, this report was due on 1 October 2024.

The Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Act 2022 increased penalties for protesters who cause disruption to major roads, ports and train stations to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to two years and undermine the ability of people in NSW to protest. Two years on from the introduction of the draconian 2022 anti-protest laws, these laws have created a chilling effect on civil movements and social progress. 

Quotes attributable to Timothy Roberts, President NSWCCL

"It's unacceptable that the NSW Government has breached its own legislative deadline. This delay not only violates the law but also delays much-needed scrutiny of these harsh anti-protest measures.

“The anti protest laws are an outrage, expressing your democratic right to protest government decisions should never land you in jail for two years.

“Two years ago the NSW Government gave the police immense powers to curtail our democracy, now the government cannot even deliver a report they are legislatively required to on time. The Premier and the Attorney General should be ashamed. 

“The failure to table the review report on time is a blatant disregard for the legislative process and undermines public trust in government transparency and accountability.

“We reiterate our call to the NSW Government to repeal the draconian anti-protest laws; protect independent legal observers and introduce a Human Rights Act that enshrines the right to protest.”