The Greens are attempting to draw attention to the erosion of the right to protest in Australia, with a new bill enshrining that right.

David Shoebridge said:

“As one of many protesters around the country who has been arrested under these harsh laws I have seen their unfairness up close. 

“Governments are preparing for the inevitable public backlash against their continued inaction on climate change, inequality, and human rights. Rather than addressing these crises, they are seeking to criminalise those who expose them.

“Protest is a tactic used by those who can’t buy political parties or the decisions they want, by those who don’t control the media. 

“Rio Tinto doesn’t need to protest, but Traditional Owners of lands that are slated for destruction by their open cut mines often do. 

“Rupert Murdoch doesn’t need to march in the streets, but those demanding climate action from recalcitrant Governments do and are. 

“Importantly, this bill ensures that excessive penalties—such as lengthy prison sentences and exorbitant fines—are unlawful limitations on the right to protest. 

“Despite what Labor and Liberal Governments will say, Australia’s international obligations do not allow for restricting these fundamental freedoms solely to protect corporate profits or business convenience. 

“We need to resist this creeping authoritarianism and assert not just the right to protest but the right to disrupt until those in power listen.