Liberals finally admit protest laws are flawed

The Liberal Party and Vanessa Goodwin have been left with egg on their faces, today backflipping over their lack of proper consultation on controversial protest legislation.

“The Liberals and Vanessa Goodwin have embarrassingly conceded that the legislation is flawed and wasn’t consulted,” Labor Leader Bryan Green said.

“The Liberals guillotined debate in the Lower House, saying the legislation was urgent as it was vitally important to the Tasmanian economy and would send a strong message to anyone potentially illegally entering a worksite – where is that urgency now?

“This is an embarrassing backdown from the Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin, proving that the laws were not properly consulted with anyone, including the Solicitor-General.
The Government has now referred the legislation to a Legislative Council committee which will enable the public to have their say and for amendments to be developed.

“Labor calls on the Tasmanian public to ensure their voice is heard against these draconian laws, which potentially criminalise any Tasmanian protesting on any issue,” Mr Green said.

“After not consulting when introducing the laws, the Liberals have been dragged kicking and screaming to allow long-overdue consultation.

“Coincidentally, this comes just one day before a range of Tasmanians will assemble at Parliament House to protest the Budget and legislation including these anti-protest laws.

“The Tasmanian people will not accept the arrogance of the Hodgman Liberal Government.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader