‘Draconian’ anti-protest laws must be stopped, Tasmanian Greens say

The Government’s redrafted anti-protest laws could be debated in the House of Assembly as early as next week, and the Greens are calling on the opposition to vote against it.

Tasmanian Green's leader, Cassy O'Connor says the Liberals’ proposed protest laws must be stopped. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

THE State Government’s redrafted anti-protest laws could be debated in the House of Assembly next week.

Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor yesterday called on the Opposition, Speaker Sue Hickey and independent Madeleine Ogilvie to vote against the laws.

The laws, unveiled last week, apply to impeding workers or business vehicles in public places and could apply to protests against forestry, aquaculture, animal cruelty, climate change policy, the cable car or the proposed Westbury prison.

Breaches would attract fines of $10,000 and jail terms of up to 18 months for a first offence, four years for a second and up to 21 years in the most serious cases.

“The High Court smashed down the 2014 laws that the Liberals had brought in which then were described as the most undemocratic, draconian laws in the country,” Ms O’Connor said. “Instead of repealing those laws they’ve … brought in amendments that will make them even harsher.”

She said if the legislation was debated next week — the last House of Assembly sitting week for the year — it would not reach the Legislative Council until next year.

“If they get through, [the Liberals will] spend all summer whipping up fear, loathing and division, and trying to wedge Labor on the right to peaceful protest,” Ms O’Connor said.

Police Minister Mark Shelton said the Government was “fully committed” to the anti-protest legislation and was “strong on the rights of the worker to go to work and be safe while they’re at work” and for employees not to be interrupted by protesters.

NEW LAWS MAY ‘FRIGHTEN PEOPLE INTO SILENCE’

An Opposition spokeswoman said: “Labor voted against the anti-protest laws last time they were in parliament. We will of course review the Government’s second go at the legislation but the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy and must be protected.”

Ms Ogilvie, who as a Labor MP voted with her party against the Government’s first protest Bill, said she was yet to decide.

“There is a lot of heat in this, I appreciate that. I voted against the original Bill, however this is a substantial rewrite and I will be reviewing it carefully. I will be consulting as widely as possible, including with the Greens to hear their concerns,” she said.

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