Delivering on a key election commitment, the protection of the rights of Tasmanian businesses and their workers to earn a living free from disruption is one step closer, with consultation beginning today on the Workplaces (Protection from Protesters) Amendment Bill 2019.
Every Tasmanian should have the right to go about their lawful work without the threat of being intentionally shut down and their business harmed. We’ve twice taken this policy to elections and received the support of Tasmanians.
The Government committed to amend the Workplaces (Protection from Protesters) Act 2014 at the last election, in light of the High Court of Australia’s concerns regarding the implied right to freedom of political communication, while retaining the overall purpose of the Act to ensure businesses and workers are not unlawfully disrupted.
The Government notes and accepts the decision of the High Court in relation to certain provisions of the 2014 Act.
The financial cost to legitimate Tasmanian businesses and their employees over many years due to having their business activities disrupted is very substantial, and we make no apologies for standing up for Tasmanians’ rights to go about their lawful business and earn a living.
We look forward to the constructive engagement of the public and the 50 stakeholders who will take part during the consultation process.
The draft Bill is available at www.justice.tas.gov.au/community-consultation with consultation closing on March 3 2019.
