The criminalisation of peaceful protestors has gone on for too long and it needs to end. Protest is a vital part of a mature and responsible democracy and the Government needs to act to protect this fundamental right.
Draconian anti-protest changes to the law by the Coalition Government and Labor have led to situations like the sentencing of Deanna “Violet” Coco to a 15 month prison term for blocking a single lane of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for 25 minutes.
As a lawyer, I have represented hundreds of protestors who have engaged in acts of civil disobedience across Australia. I have represented people who have locked on to bulldozers in forests, stopped coal and gas mine operations and obstructed trains, traffic and ports. Every person I have ever represented has been a good person who cares about the environment, nature and our collective future.
Now, the alliance is growing across the NSW Parliament, along with legal organisations that have witnessed the attacks on the right to protest. Small gains have occurred on the ground, with NSW Police being made to pay for the wrongful arrest of protestors. This is not enough - we need a political solution to this systemic problem.
Will you send an email to the Premier & Attorney General calling for change?