The government and opposition joined forces in Parliament to criminalise protest activity.

Disrupting vehicle or pedestrian use of roads, public transport or certain buildings during protests without permission from police can now result in a $22,000 fine and two years in prison.

Allowing people to peacefully protest is fundamental to a healthy democracy. The first Mardi Gras and the No War sign on the Opera House are forms of protest that we are proud of for forging social change. The Parliament’s message is that those who took part should have been penalised more.

The bill was treated with urgency to deal with climate change protesters at a time when thousands of people are losing their homes and livelihoods from catastrophic weather events and the federal government cut climate change funding. During debate I argued it shows the major parties are more beholden to shock jocks and tabloid media than prioritising our future Read my speech > HERE or you can watch it > HERE.  

See the analysis in The Guardian > HERE.