Protest laws snag for MP
A GOVERNMENT MP has had a rethink on her threat to blockade a hardware chain.
Braddon Liberal member Joan Rylah voted twice in favour of tough anti-protest laws. But she declared herself ready to go to the barricades over Bunnings’ decision to pull Victorian-harvested native timber from its shelves.
On her Facebook page, Mrs Rylah said she would join a blockade if the same thing happened locally. “If Bunnings try to pull the same despicable act here in Tas (they have banned the sale of locally, sustainably grown and milled native timber in Victoria) I will be in the trucks blockading their business,” she wrote.
The post was later deleted. Under anti-protest laws that Mrs Rylah voted for, demonstrators would face mandatory fines and prison terms if their actions disrupted workplaces such as Bunnings.
Environmentalist Bob Brown said a double standard was on display. “It is passing strange that Eric Abetz condemns the CFMEU but protege Joan Rylah wants to get in their trucks if they blockade Bunnings,” Mr Brown said.
Mrs Rylah replied on Facebook: “I’m pleased I got his attention because I will protest peacefully but protest nonetheless to protect local jobs, local businesses and our sustainable, rich and diverse native forest industry.”
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said she was worried Mrs Rylah might end up in Risdon Prison.
“Mrs Rylah should reflect on the fact she twice voted for the Liberals’ harsh, undemocratic anti-protest laws which would deny her that freedom of expression,” she said. “It seems Liberal members themselves can’t even understand the overreach of these laws.
“We hope Mrs Rylah doesn’t wind up in Risdon as peaceful protesters can under the law she supports, which is stalled by government in the Legislative Council until after the Rosevears and Huon elections.”
david.killick@news.com.au