Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
The Greens have today written to the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) asking them to withdraw their support for the Workplace (Protection from Protestors) Amendment Bill.
The Liberals’ second iteration of these laws are more extreme and oppressive than those that failed to stand up in the High Court.
It is both disappointing and deeply concerning to see the TCCI line up in support of removing the right of every Tasmanian to peacefully protest.
In a chilling crack down on free speech, the Bill seeks to impose some of the harshest penalties in the country.
At a time when young people are striking for climate action – for their future – these laws threaten to lock them up.
Tasmanians have a proud history of citizens standing up for places they love – Lake Pedder, the Franklin River, Wesley Vale, the Tamar Valley, Ralphs Bay and our old forests. These are places that now bring economic benefit to Tasmanian communities because they have been protected for all to enjoy.
The TCCI are an apolitical representative body, that seeks to ‘improve’ Tasmania. These laws do the opposite.
The Workplaces (Protection from Protestors) Amendment Bill 2019 is draconian legislation that undermines Tasmania’s democratic foundations.
We believe, the intent of this legislation is in direct opposition to the objectives of the TCCI.
