The NSW parliament passed strict new laws on Friday targeting protesters who block roads and bridges.
Critics say the laws are “draconian” and fly in the face of the democratic right to protest.
“While the NSW Government respects the right to protest, that must be weighed against the right of other members of the public to move freely and not be obstructed in public places,” Acting NSW Premier Paul Toole said.
“Illegal protesting has no place in our state and this new legislation demonstrates that we are committed to cracking down on this selfish, economic vandalism.”
Hefty fines and jail time could face those who disrupt major roads or other transport infrastructure across the state.
Labor leader, Chris Minns supported the change, calling recent climate actions, “guerrilla activity”.
“It is shameful to think that it’s appropriate to disrupt the lives of ordinary people as they go about their business in the pursuit of your own particular aims,” Mr Minns told the parliament.
Earlier in the day, four people were charged following weeks of co-ordinated actions that included blocking the Princes Hwy in Sylvania on Friday morning. They were demanding immediate action on climate to prevent natural disasters.
Roads Minister Natalie Ward likened the group to “terrorists” on 2GB radio.
The protesters were removed by police.
“The government has made it clear during the debate that they designed these laws to jail their political opponents, that’s not just bad public policy, it’s deeply anti-democratic,” NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge said.
The amendment passed on Friday strengthens punishments for disrupting roads, bridges, tunnels, public transport and infrastructure facilities prescribed in regulations.
Under the new laws, offenders face a maximum penalty of $22,000, two years in jail, or both.
It was already an offence to “enter, remain on, or otherwise trespass on prescribed major bridges or tunnels in NSW if that conduct causes a serious disruption,” according to NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman.
“The Bill expands this to prescribed roads. It also creates an equivalent offence under the Crimes Act 1900 so that activities that detrimentally affect prescribed public transport or infrastructure facilities can be captured.”
Initially, the new legislation will apply to the three ports of Newcastle, Port Kembla and Port Botany, with the Government aiming to extend them to additional facilities.
Greens members said the laws would make it only possible to protest in NSW in approved areas, and with the prior approval of police.
“Non-violent protest has always been a cornerstone of democracy. Alongside an independent media, and free and fair elections, it is in fact one of the characteristics of a functioning democracy,” NSW Greens MP Jenny Leong said.
“People are scared of what the future holds. They are desperate. They have tried asking politely and have been completely ignored. And we are in a race against time.
“And yet, this Bill is more concerned with criminalising the behavior of the people who are trying to save us – instead of criminalising the suicidal destruction of the planet.”
