Anti-Protest Bill Returns

Media release – Guy Barnett, Minister for Resources, 24 August 2021

Tasmanian workers need protection

The Tasmanian Liberal Government makes no apology for trying to ensure Tasmanians can go to work and run their businesses in a safe manner free from threats and disruption.

Tasmanians have had enough of radical extremists invading workplaces and threatening and endangering staff.

Our Workplace Protection Bill will complement legislation already passed in the Federal Parliament where it received bi-partisan support.

Labor governments and oppositions across the country have supported similar legislation and it is time that the Tasmanian Labor Opposition finally threw its support behind Tasmanian workers rather than standing side-by-side with the Greens and the Bob Brown Foundation.

And, to be very clear, this Bill is not about stopping Tasmanians from protesting. The government respects the right of every Tasmanian to express their views and protest lawfully.

This Bill won’t stop legal protests outside hospitals, schools or climate change protests in streets or on footpaths. This Bill is simply about protecting Tasmanian businesses, workers and families from illegal threats, disruption and ongoing disruption from extremist protesters.

This Bill is needed because the existing laws are clearly not adequately discouraging extremist protesters from invading Tasmanian workplace and disrupting legally operating businesses.

We have listened to industry and workers which is why we will bring our Workplace Protection Bill legislation back before the House in coming weeks.

If Labor really wants a fresh start then it’s time to support hard working Tasmanians and support this Bill and send a clear message that workplace invasions and disruptions have no place in this state.

Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 24 August 2021

Tasmanian Liberals announce plans to re-introduce failed protest laws

Environmentalists are calling for Premier Gutwein to give up on undemocratic, unjust and dangerous attempts to silence and imprison protesters in Tasmania after logging and mining Minister Guy Barnett announced today that the Tasmanian Government would seek to re-introduce its failed Workplace Protection Bill.

“Premier Gutwein’s government needs to stop wasting taxpayers money and parliamentary time with attempts to pass draconian anti-protest laws. Thankfully the Tasmanian parliament has voted down these laws, yet the government continues to push the logging and mining industry’s agenda to imprison anyone who challenges their destructive activities,  Bob Brown Foundation’s Campaign Manager Jenny Weber said.

“The anti-protest laws would be the worst in the country, making everyday Tasmanians criminals just for standing up for the environment and social justice issues. Tasmania has a long, proud history of non-violent protests, both for human rights and for the protection of Tasmania’s wild places.

Sadly, under the Liberal government we have a drawn-out attempt to introduce laws that shield business from public criticism and rule economic interests of corporations over the civil liberties of individuals,” Jenny Weber said.

“These anti-protest laws will jail the citizens of the Clark electorate who will join non-violent direct actions if the cable car proceeds on kunanyi / Mt Wellington. Meanwhile, Government still hasn’t ruled out special legislation to allow the cable car to proceed.

Their draconian anti-protest legislation appears to be designed to facilitate major developments like the cable car, expansion of fish farms and ongoing forest destruction while attempting to silence Tasmanians who want preservation of our natural assets,“ Jenny Weber said.

“Premier Gutwein needs to give up on threatening our democracy. Bob Brown Foundation is also urging the Labor party and independents to continue to oppose this attack on our democracy,” said Jenny Weber.