FIGHTBACK

Toughest anti-protest laws unveiled

ACTIVISTS who invade farms, forestry operations or other businesses would face up to 21 years in jail under what the Government is hailing as the nation’s toughest anti-protest laws.

The Liberals have unveiled a redraft of legislation that was declared invalid by the High Court in 2017 — sweeping laws that apply to impeding workers or business vehicles in public places, including streets, footpaths, land and waterways.

They could be used against those protesting forestry, aquaculture, climate change, or even the proposed Hobart cable car.

The laws have the support of business leaders, but civil liberties groups are outraged.

ACTIVISTS who invade farms, forestry operations or other businesses would face up to 21 years in jail under what the Hodgman Government is hailing as the nation’s toughest anti-protest legislation.

The Liberals yesterday unveiled a redraft of legislation that was declared invalid by the High Court in 2017.

The sweeping laws — which apply to impeding workers or business vehicles in public places, including streets, footpaths, land and waterways — could be used against protests against forestry, aquaculture, climate change, animal cruelty the cable car or the proposed Westbury prison.

The new laws were unveiled with the support of the state’s business leaders — but prompted outcry from the Greens, environmental and civil liberties organisations.

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. By contrast, in both Russia and China’s antiprotest laws carry a maximum penalty of five years.

Premier Will Hodgman said Tasmanian businesses must be protected.

“Our economy is strong, we need to make sure we support it, and protect it, businesses should not be subject to disruption,” he said.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett said the laws were designed to dissuade hardcore protesters.

“They are very tough. Let’s make it very clear in terms of impediment and trespassing with an intent to impede, the first offence is 18 months and the second offence is four years, with a $10,000 fine.

“And that will be decided obviously in a court of law. Secondly, in terms of intrusion there could be absolutely up to 21 years jail, depending on the circumstances.”

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey said: “The TCCI supports absolutely the right of people to protest lawfully, but not to conduct economic terrorism.”

Tasmanian director of Civil Liberties Australia Richard Griggs said the laws were “shocking and an outrageous attack on democratic participation”.

He said the laws could apply to speech and other nonphysical actions — which courts have found were capable of impeding business.

Longtime environmental campaigner Bob Brown said the laws would not deter protesters.