Protesters are likely to block the world’s largest coal port, prompting the NSW Government to push new anti-protest laws through Parliament.
A planned climate protest may result in a blockade of rail lines to the world’s biggest coal mine in Newcastle, leading the New South Wales State (NSW) government to introduce a specific offence for such actions.
While protesters who block trains already face up to two years in jail, there is now an added threat of a fine for obstructing a road, bridge, port, or other major facility.
The Labor party plans to introduce legislation that would add a fine of up to $22,000 to the potential penalty, applying not only to railway lines across the state but also to light rail lines, such as those outside Sydney’s Town Hall where protesters often gather.
Despite NSW Police winning a case in the state Supreme Court to deny approval for the event, climate action group Rising Tide announced plans to proceed with a “People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port” at the Port of Newcastle.
Authorized protests are protected from prosecution, but police can seek court approval to deny a permit to rally organizers, as was done in this case due to safety concerns and disruption to the coal industry.
4-day ‘Protestival’ Will Go Ahead, Protesters Say
Rising Tide confirmed that the protest will proceed later this month, involving activists paddling into the port on kayaks and rafts to halt coal exports for 30 hours. The event, along with a four-day “protestival,” is expected to draw up to 5,500 participants.
“We have the right to assemble on public land and water, and we will exercise that right because it is essential for democracy,” said Rising Tide’s organizer Zach Schofield.
NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized that adding fines to potential penalties for protesters sends a clear message that blocking railway lines is not acceptable.
Attorney-General Michael Daley stated that the proposed change aims to balance the right to protest with ensuring community safety and preventing disruptions.
The stringent anti-protest laws have faced criticism, including from within the state Labor Party and the union movement. Part of earlier legislation, passed with bipartisan support in 2022, was deemed invalid by the Supreme Court last year.
NSW Greens MP Kobi Shetty has introduced a Bill in Parliament to repeal these offenses.
AAP contributed to this story.
