LNP plans to throw book at militant activists

Militant activists who wreak havoc on workplaces will face astronomical fines, or worse, if the state LNP gets its way.

MILITANT activists who wreak havoc on workplaces will face hefty fines of up to $400,000 or be thrown behind bars under a major crackdown proposed by the State Opposition.

The new trespass laws would target powerful unions, Stop Adani protesters and vegan activists among a raft of hecklers that plague Queensland worksites.

Aurizon’s campaign against protesters

Community slams decision on protesters

New laws hit animal activists

Under the industrial sabotage laws, to be introduced in Parliament today, anyone charged with organised trespass would face 10 years in jail or cop a $391,650 fine.

Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said whether one protested independently, or was part of a group or organisation, they would face severe punishments.

“Hefty fines and lengthy jail time are the only way to stamp out this disruptive, premeditated and sophisticated behaviour,” she said.

“Mining activists will also face the full force of the law under the LNP’s strong and detailed plan.”

Nic Avery, a 27-year-old student from Sydney, locked to the machinery at Adani's Abbot Point Coal terminal.

The new laws also include aggravated trespass, which would carry a maximum of three years jail imposed or a fine of up to $13,055.

Anyone charged with serious criminal trespass would face 10 years in jail or cop a maximum fine of $391,650.

Under current laws, general trespass laws carry a maximum fine of $2600 or one year imprisonment.

Trespass on farmland carries a maximum fine of $1300 or six months jail.

Meanwhile the Labor Government introduced tougher fines for vegan activists last month – after they stormed Queensland farms and even an abattoir – with police and department officers now able to issue on-the-spot fines of $652.75.

Animal activists invade the Millmerran property and cattle farm of David McNamee. Picture: Animal Activists Collective/Facebook

Aurizon also launched an extraordinary safety campaign last month to better protect their train drivers after anti-coal protesters locked themselves to rail lines.

Burdekin MP and former police officer Dale Last, who’s been working on the laws for six months, said the “ratbag protesters” were hell bent on causing economic harm.

“This industrial sabotage has no place in Queensland, yet under the Palaszczuk Labor

Government they’re getting away with it,” he said.

“Labor is soft on crime, always has been and always will be.

“The LNP’s three new offences will protect businesses and send a strong message to these

protesters to nick off and go home.”