The criminalisation of peaceful protestors is escalating 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
The Greens will be pushing to enshrine the right to protest so peaceful activists are not being imprisoned for exercising a fundamental democratic right.
Will you send an email to the Attorney General calling for change?