Background:
In April 2022, the NSW Parliament passed legislation to prevent ‘illegal protesting’ on major roads, bridges, tunnels, public transport and infrastructure facilities. The new legislation amends section 144G the Roads Act 1993 which criminalises causing serious disruption by entering, remaining on or trespassing on prescribed major bridges and tunnels, to now include all “main roads”. Offences carry a maximum penalty of $22,000 or two years in gaol, or both. NSWCCL condemns these legislative changes in totality. Protest should not be confined to back roads. Should the changes remain, and we do not think they should, we especially condemn the lack of proportionality of the punishment that can be imposed for offences committed by protesters.
The review of these laws is scheduled to take place after 1 April 2024 and will be carried out by the Department of Roads and the Attorney-General’s Department UNLESS we join our voices in the call for an open and transparent review.
SIGN ON HERE: We the undersigned, join civil society and advocacy organisations across NSW calling on Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Government to address the vital issue of protecting the right to protest in our state. The right to protest is a fundamental democratic right that allows us to express our views, shape our societies, and press for social change. In NSW and nationally across Australia, it is under attack.
The review of these laws is scheduled to take place after 1 April 2024 and will be carried out by the Department of Roads and the Attorney-General’s Department. We call on the Premier to ensure that this review will seek public submissions and be undertaken in a clear and transparent manner.
