The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) NSW today condemned the NSW Government's latest attack on the right to protest in the form of its Roads and Crimes Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 which was introduced in NSW Parliament, with little notice, last night.
"With penalties of up to 2 years in gaol or up to $22,000 in fines, this proposed legislation potentially criminalises and prohibits any protest that occurs without police approval on any major road in NSW. Despite amendments passed by Labor, the Bill also potentially criminalises many activities that union members take as part of protected industrial action," said Dr Damien Cahill, Secretary NTEU NSW.
"It is not just industrial action but other forms of protest such as around climate change that may be criminalised by this Bill. This Bill diminishes civil and industrial liberties and should be opposed," Dr Cahill continued.
"People who are protesting and calling on governments to take more urgent action around climate change will be considered heroes by future generations. It is reckless and disgraceful that the NSW Government is attempting to silence their voices," said Dr Cahill.
