Libs’ failed ideas return

LAW and order will be at the top of the agenda when parliament resumes this week, the Government says.

In the last sitting week of parliament for the calendar year, reintroduced anti-protest legislation — and laws on mandatory sentences — are set to be examined.

The protest laws were previously overturned by the High Court, and the mandatory sentencing legislation has twice failed to pass parliament.

The anti-protest laws have been widely criticised, with opponents last week launching a petition and a protest of their own, labelling the legislation unnecessary and too broad.

The new laws include heavy penalties and jail terms of up to four years for people who interfere with business operations — or threaten to do so.

Leader of government business in the House of Assembly, Michael Ferguson, yesterday said the Government was following through on the mandate it took to last year’s election.

Mr Ferguson said the legislation was aimed at illegal protesters who disrupt small businesses and employment.

“We’re not banning protests, but we’re going to make it a significant criminal offence for people who stand in the way of people earning a living,’’ he said.

“There will be no action to stop people from demonstrating or to express their views lawfully.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor has described the legislation as “a dog of a Bill”, that would take away people’s right to protest peacefully.

Mr Ferguson said mandatory sentences for people found guilty of child sex offences — and those who seriously assault emergency service workers — would also be debated.

“This is legislation we believe we have the numbers for in the House of Assembly,’’ he said.

“I think it will be a critical vote for the Legislative Council.”

Mr Ferguson accused Labor of being soft on crime.

Labor leader Rebecca White described this week’s parliamentary agenda as being full of “stunts and distractions”.

“Rather than taking serious action to tackle the crisis in our hospital system or ensuring we are prepared for the coming bushfire season, the Liberals are recycling old legislation that has already been rejected by the parliament on multiple occasions,’’ she said.