Are protests now not allowed in Australia?
good question
On Tuesday the Legislative Council of Victoria passed the Summary Offence Act 2013, which outlaws the right to protest in Victoria, by a vote of 20-18. ??????
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/bill/soasab2013395/
Friday, 13 February 2015 03:57:45 PM
Police are appealing for information from the public following an incident in Sydneyโs CBD today.
At 10.15am (Friday 13 February 2015), police attended a conference centre at the intersection of Goulburn and Castlereagh streets in relation to an unauthorised protest.
Approximately 50 protestors were at the location.
Itโs alleged the protestors blocked the driveway to the building's underground car park, along with the entrance on Castlereagh Street.
Police further allege a number of the protestors entered the building at that location. They attempted to push through a single door, posing a safety risk to both police and the protestors.
The protestors allegedly failed to comply with police instructions to move back.
As further protestors were forcing their way into the foyer area, police โ concerned a crowd-crush situation was imminent โ deployed OC spray.
Immediately, the protestors started to move out onto the street.
Four protestors and the building manager were assessed at the scene by NSW Ambulance personnel.
No-one has been arrested or charged at this time
Police from Sydney City Local Area Command have launched an investigation into the incident.
They are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The NSW Police Force recognises the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly when done in compliance with the law. The NSW Police Force also recognises the rights of the broader community and organisations to engage in their daily activities within minimal disruption and in a safe and secure environment.
The NSW Police Force will not tolerate breaches of the peace or criminal offences being committed by persons who attend unauthorised demonstrations or public assembles.
The NSW Police Force will take appropriate action to ensure the protection and safety of all persons and this includes the safety of those persons who attend demonstrations and public assembles and then through their actions place themselves and/or others in danger.
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/latest_releases?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenBy...
Many assume that in Australia, the right to protest is a natural incidence of the right to free speech or freedom of political communication.
However, there is no explicit right to freedom of speech or freedom of political communication under the law โ rather these are implied rights.
This means that there is essentially no right to protest in NSW.
In fact, section 545C of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) makes it a criminal offence to participate in an unlawful assembly โ which is punishable by a maximum term of 6 months imprisonment.
The requirements for a โlawful assemblyโ are outlined in sections 22 to 27 of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW).
http://nswcourts.com.au/articles/protesting-peacefully-a-quick-guide-to-public-disorder-offences-and...
