Jailing farmers who protest against fracking on their land will be the ultimate outcome of Will Hodgman’s campaign against free speech says Environment Tasmania.

“Fining or jailing fishers protesting against super trawlers, or farmers protecting their land from fracking, or brave anti-whaling campaigners is itself a brazen move that may leave Will Hodgman isolated” says Charlie Sherwin, Environment Tasmania’s Chief Executive Officer.

“Tasmanians value their right to speak up when it’s needed – whether it’s trying to stop a mining company from fracking your farm or trying to protect local fisheries from multinational exploitation. The last thing Tasmanians deserve is to be subjected to jail and unprecedented fines by an anti-free speech regime.”.

“People will protest when they need to clean up unhealthy workplaces or protect their properties, to protect the wildlife and forests they love, and to protect Tasmania’s natural resources for future generations to enjoy. If Mr Hodgman throws them in jail for standing up for what they believe in, he’ll push Tasmania on a slippery-slope to a draconian state reflecting the worst years of the Bjelke Peterson government”.

So soon after the passing of Nelson Mandala, Environment Tasmania believes this is a particularly poignant time to remember and defend the value of peaceful protest towards creating a clean, healthy and sustainable future for our kids.

Background:

On Sunday, Tasmanian Liberal Party Leader Will Hodgman announced policy to establish large fines and mandatory jail terms for environmental protesters who protest in workplaces (including logging areas). Crippling hundred thousand dollar fines would also be levied against community environmental protection and field naturalist groups if they oppose environmental damage while at a “workplace” (a term open to wide interpretation). The extreme law-and-order policy was announced in the lead up to the State election likely to be held in March 2014.

For comment:

Charlie Sherwin, Environment Tasmania’s Chief Executive Officer.