Extinction Rebellion protester arrested in CBD blockade: ‘There will be sacrifices made’
Significant police resources were diverted to an Extinction Rebellion protest this morning, with a 68-year-old woman arrested and charged. READ MORE + SEE THE PHOTOS >>
The Launceston News
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SIGNIFICANT police resources were diverted to monitor a small group of Extinction Rebellion protesters in Launceston’s CBD on Thursday.
About 20 environmental activists blocked traffic, chanted and held placards at the intersection of St John and Paterson streets before midday before being moved on by as many police.
A Government spokeswoman said the protest “diverted attention from other policing priorities”, while a spokesman for the group said the action drew attention to its cause and showed the strength of members’ convictions.
A 68-year-old Summerhill woman was arrested when she remained on the road after the rest of the group was moved off.
She was transported to Launceston Police Station where she was charged with failing to comply with a direction of a police officer and bailed to appear at Launceston Magistrates Court on October 21.
Activist Steve Saunders said the protest was over the lack of action on the climate emergency and that state and federal governments were “glossing over the issue”.
He said the blockade and arrest showed the issue was “far greater than [their] personal wellbeing”.
“We need to act on this and there will be sacrifices made along the way to give this the attention that it needs,” he said.
“We’re still logging madly, digging up fossil fuels and scientists predict that within the next five years [global temperatures will increase by] 1.5C, rapidly followed by 3C and it’s pretty much social destruction after that.”
Mr Saunders said climate change was a far more deadly threat than the COVID-19 virus, but Governments were responding to scientific advice on one and not the other.
Activist Ros Lewis said the group was observing social distancing rules and was “very respectful of human lives”.
The government spokeswoman said the rights of people to peaceful protest were supported. “This does not mean individuals should … or impede other members of the community going about their lawful business,” they said.
They said the use of police resources to maintain public order was “entirely appropriate, “however it does divert attention from other policing priorities”.
Police Association of Tasmania president Colin Riley said attending large public gatherings, including protests, was “part and parcel of daily police work”.
“Tasmanians have the right to protest peacefully, which is what occurred in Launceston, despite one person taking another path which saw her arrested” he said.
A Tasmania Police spokeswoman said they were notified of the demonstration by organisers.
“Police have a duty to take action when a protest or demonstration stops others from going about their lawful business, so we will be actively monitoring the situation,” they said.
Mr Saunders said the group was happy for police to be at the rally.
“They’re not our enemy, they’re our friends,” he said.
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