Bruce Paix: Convoy to Canberra protester chooses custody on remand over bail conditions

A Convoy to Canberra protester charged with dangerous driving has chosen to remain in custody on remand rather than submit to proposed bail conditions.

A Convoy to Canberra protester has chosen to remain in custody on remand rather than submit to proposed bail conditions.

Adelaide man Bruce Paix, 57, is charged with dangerous driving in a way that put the safety of a vulnerable road user at risk.

The court heard on February 5, Mr Paix drove around a traffic control officer, who had closed off a stretch of road due to protest activity.

He pleaded not guilty and applied for bail.

The prosecution did not oppose bail but suggested bail should be granted on the condition Mr Paix would not return to the ACT except for court appearances or legal appointments.

Former military doctor Bruce Paix has fronted ACT Magistrates Court charged with dangerous driving. Picture: Facebook

Legal Aid Lawyer Rebecca Mueller told the court her client opposed the suggested bail condition because he was in Canberra “to participate in a protest.”

Mr Paix then addressed Magistrate Colonel Peter Morrison:

“I’m here for the purpose of political protest,” he said.

“I’m OK with bail conditions that relate to dangerous driving.

“Not (conditions) that stops my political freedom of speech.”
Colonel Morrison questioned the defence’s opposition to the single proposed bail condition.

“My concerns are on the face of it there has been allegations of dangerous driving in the context of protest,” he said.

“Ought I not to be concerned about reoffending?

“His participation in protest led to an extraordinarily dangerous situation.”

Ms Mueller told the court her client was “very educated” with a degree from Adelaide University in epidemiology and anaesthesiology.

She said her client had lost his job due to the vaccine mandate and was a Wing Commander in the air force until a few months ago.

Ms Mueller said Mr Paix was prepared to accept other bail conditions could provide security.

However Colonel Morrison said security related to reappearing in court which he was “not concerned” about.

“What I’m concerned about is (Paix) repeating dangerous conduct,” he said.

“I’m seriously considering refusing bail.”

Colonel Morrison asked Ms Mueller if her client would accept bail conditions preventing him from driving.

She said she would need to take instructions and the court was then adjourned.

Convey to Canberra protestors initially set up camp on the Patrick White Lawns, Parkes, adjacent to the National Library. Protesters were booted out from Parkes on Friday. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Mr Paix returned to court later on Monday afternoon, represented by a different legal aid lawyer, Tamzin Lee.

Ms Lee told the court her client sought to withdraw his bail application.

A date for a pre-hearing sentence was listed for March 21.

Mr Paix was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

Convoy to Canberra protesters from across Australia arrived in the nation’s capital last Monday.

The protest movement is inspired by the Canadian trucker protest and opposes mask and vaccine mandates.