The state’s peak environment body will join with other members of civil society, including unions, law and human rights groups to campaign against the anti-protest Bill rushed through the Lower House of SA Parliament yesterday.

MEDIA RELEASE
19 May 2023

Protest laws an attack on democracy

The state’s peak environment body will join with other members of civil society, including unions, law and human rights groups to campaign against the anti-protest Bill rushed through the Lower House of SA Parliament yesterday.

“This Bill, which was rushed through the Lower House of State Parliament with extraordinary, unseemly and unnecessary haste, is designed to intimidate community members seeking to protest on public streets,” said the Chief Executive of the Conservation Council of SA, Craig Wilkins.

“It is intended to have a chilling effect on community action at a time when community concern about human and labour rights and the lack of action on climate change is growing.

“Throughout history, direct action and street protest has been an essential step towards changing society for the better, whether it is fairer pay for workers, voting rights for women and Aboriginal people or to stop destructive projects like the Franklin dam.

“By its nature, blocking streets and holding rallies is intended to be disruptive and raise attention and debate.

“But instead of honouring this essential and vital cornerstone of a strong democracy, state governments throughout our nation have started rolling out harsher penalties and extending laws in a dangerous attempt to curtail and prevent citizens protesting.

“It is deeply disappointing South Australia has joined this shameful and concerning approach.

“However inconvenient it is for the oil and gas industry, and the state government and opposition, climate protesters like Extinction Rebellion calling attention to the climate emergency are on the right side of history.

“If only there was this much bipartisan parliamentary action to stop the expansion of the oil and gas industry, which is making climate change worse.

“We urge every member of the Legislative Council to halt this dangerous attack on civil liberties and community rights from passing into law,” he said.

RELEASE ENDS