Bryan Green: Embarrassing back down on protest laws

The Liberal Party’s long overdue back flip over protest legislation is symptomatic of an arrogant and out of touch government.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said the Government was given multiple opportunities to fix its flawed Bill but only backed down when it was staring down the barrel of an embarrassing defeat in the Legislative Council.

“The policy back down shows the Liberal Government rushed through the original process without any consultation at all – not even with the Solicitor General,” Mr Green said.

“Despite condemnation from a range of stakeholders, including legal experts, the Liberals arrogantly pushed the protest legislation through the Lower House.

“Paul Harriss has been left with egg on his face.

“The Minister repeatedly insisted the Bill was constitutionally sound but now he has admitted it goes way too far.

“It’s a sign of an incompetent government still drunk on its election win.

“Labor will examine the new amendments closely, but serious concerns remain about the inclusion of mandatory minimum jail terms.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader