Will Hodgman: Protecting Workers from Protesters

The Liberal Government is committed to rebuilding the forestry industry and protecting workers.

Today, I met with forest workers at New Norfolk and it was clear they have not forgotten the damage caused by Labor and the Greens.

Industry stalwart Les Walkden has been subject to protests over the past three decades that have caused millions of dollars worth of damage and loss of production.

Sadly, this isn’t a rare story and that’s why, as promised before the election, we have introduced Legislation that protects Tasmanians from extremist protesters invading their workplace.

We made a commitment to take a strong stand against protest activity that stops others from legally going about their work. Tasmanians voted overwhelmingly for our plan, and we are getting on with the job of delivering it.

But yet again, Labor and the Greens are in lockstep, not only in opposing these protections for workers’ rights, but in their hypocrisy.

Both Labor and the Greens supported the Reproductive Health Act 2013 which has a number of comparable provisions to this Bill.

The similarities with the set-up of a 150 metre exclusion zone around abortion clinics includes, individual fines of almost $10,000, no-go zones for protesters, prohibiting the hindrance or obstruction of a place and allowing police to arrest protesters without a warrant.

We support the right to peaceful protest, and this Bill will not change that. Neither will it impact upon protected industrial action under the auspices of the Fair Work Act.

Enough is enough. Tasmanians have a right to earn a living, whether that be in forestry, mining or any other industry.
Will Hodgman, Premier