Sydney Criminal Lawyers: NSW Government’s Strengthening of Anti-Protest Laws Is a Cheap Shot at Civil Society

The Minns government has introduced new legislation to increase penalties for protests that obstruct railways. This has sparked more criticism of the NSW governments approach to protest rights.

The Crimes Amendment (Obstructing a Railway) Bill 2024 proposes a maximum fine of $22,000 for the offence, doubling the penalty that can had previously be implemented. This move has been criticised and seen as part of a broader escalation of anti-protest measures, designed to suppress dissent rather than address public safety.

This legislation follows widespread frustration over the government’s failure to meet its October 2024 deadline to review the controversial 2022 anti-protest laws, which imposed severe penalties on protesters. The attorney general cited recent protests by groups like Rising Tide and Blockade Australia, which obstructed coal railways near Newcastle, as justification for the increased fines.

However, critics, including the NSW Council for Civil Liberties (NSWCCL), argue that such measures undermine democratic freedoms and will not deter peaceful protesters, who are motivated by deep convictions.

NSWCCL President Timothy Roberts has made a statement that: "The antidemocratic crackdown on the right to protest continues to escalate under the watchful eyes of premier Minns, The government’s attitude demonstrates how little regard they have for good governance and accountability,”

“If anyone held a skerrick of hope that NSW Labor, under the Minns government, would reignite the light on the hill, then this is another nail in that coffin,” Roberts continued.

“The introduction of another tranche of draconian antiprotest laws represents another betrayal of the public’s trust by those who should stand to strengthen and defend civil liberties.”

 

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