Challenge to Hodgman’s anti-protest laws begins in High Court in Melbourne

A first or directions hearing of Bob Brown and Jessica Hoyt’s challenge to Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman’s draconian anti-protest laws will be heard in the High Court in Melbourne tomorrow.

The High Court is on Level 17, Commonwealth Law Courts Building 305 William Street Melbourne.

It is being conducted by video link to Hobart, to Court 1, Level 2, 39-41 Davey Street Hobart (Commonwealth Law Courts Building).

The hearing starts at 9.30 am. The public is welcome. People will need to allow a bit of time to get through security in either building.

Brown and Hoyt were arrested at Lapoinya in January this year, but charges against them were later dropped. They were protesting against the clearfell logging of the Lapoinya Forest which was the habitat of rare and endangered species including the Tasmanian devil, Spot-tailed quoll and Astacopsis gouldi (the world’s largest freshwater lobster). The two are challenging laws passed by the Hodgman government invoking increased penalties, including potential jail terms, for peaceful protest activity aimed at protecting Tasmania’s ancient forests and wildlife.
Jenny Weber