An MP who supports anti-protest laws has decided against joining blockade
An MP who voted against other people having the right to protest against businesses said she planned to blockade a hardware chain she disagreed with.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A GOVERNMENT MP has apparently thought better of her threat to blockade a hardware chain.
Braddon Liberal member Joan Rylah twice voted in favour of tough anti-protest laws.
But she declared herself ready to go to the barricades herself over Bunnings’ decision to pull Victorian-harvested native timber from its shelves.
On her Facebook page, Mrs Rylah said she would join a blockade if the same thing happened locally.
“If Bunnings try to pull the same despicable act here in Tas (they have banned the sale of locally, sustainably grown and milled native timber in Victoria) I will be in the trucks blockading their business,” she wrote.
The post was subsequently deleted.
Under anti-protest laws that Mrs Rylah voted for, demonstrators would face mandatory fines and prison terms if their actions disrupted workplaces such as Bunnings.
Environmentalist Bob Brown said a double standard was on display.
“It is passing strange that Eric Abetz condemns the CFMEU but protege Joan Rylah wants to get in their trucks if they blockade Bunnings,” Dr Brown said.
Mrs Rylah replied on Faceook: “I’m pleased I got his attention because I will protest peacefully but protest nonetheless to protect local jobs, local businesses and our sustainable, rich and diverse native forest industry.”
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said she was worried Mrs Rylah might end up in Risdon Prison.
“Mrs Rylah should reflect on the fact she twice voted for the Liberals’ harsh, undemocratic anti-protest laws which would deny her that freedom of expression,” she said.
“It seems Liberal members themselves can’t even understand the overreach of these laws.
“We hope Mrs Rylah doesn’t wind up in Risdon as peaceful protesters can under the law she supports, which is currently stalled by government in the Legislative Council until after the Rosevears and Huon elections.”
Court dates confirmed for Hillcrest tragedy
Dates have been confirmed for when the jumping castle operator at the centre of the Hillcrest tragedy will fight charges against her.
New $24m recycling facility ‘a win-win for everyone’
The operators of a new recycling facility say that it is the “most advanced of its kind in Tasmania” and will almost double the state’s current processing capacity.