An activists’ handbook that calls on extreme conservationists to flout the law demonstrates the need for strong action to protect the rights of Tasmanian workers.
Labelled “An Action Guide for Grassroots Activists”, the document is circulated by extremist environmental groups such as the Huon Valley Environment Centre and Still Wild Still Threatened.
The guide is a “how to guide” for industrial mayhem, advising activists on how to attach themselves to machinery and giving self-righteous excuses for law-breaking.
What it makes clear is that Tasmanian industry is facing an orchestrated and ongoing attack from individuals and groups who have no regard for our existing laws, for the police or for the workers and communities who are affected by their actions.
Where the former Labor-Green Government turned a blind eye, the Liberal Government is prepared to act against dangerous protests that stop workers going about lawful work.
The Government’s Workplaces (Protection from Protesters) Bill tabled in Parliament today fulfils the Liberal Government’s commitment to introduce strong penalties for those who invade or inhibit access to a worksite.
This is a policy that the Liberal Government took to the election and a clear majority of Tasmanians voted in favour of on March 15.
Passing this Bill will deter those who would follow the advice of the activists’ handbook with on-the-spot fines and mandatory jail for repeat offenders.
Most importantly, it will protect Tasmanian workers from the attacks on their businesses and their livelihoods that they have had to tolerate for too long.
The question for Labor is will they stand with workers and support the legislation, or are they still in lockstep with the Greens?
Paul Harriss, Minister for Resources
