Yesterday officers from Newcastle City Police District formed Strike Force Tuohy as they continue proactive operations to actively prevent and disrupt illegal protests in the Hunter/Newcastle region.
The ongoing protests are placing public safety at risk and endangering the lives of all those who use the rail network. They will not be tolerated.
Accordingly, I have sought further legal advice today and am warning anyone who intends on behaving in the manner we’ve seen over the past week that they could be charged with offences under Section 211 of the Crimes Act 1900, which carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.
This is in addition to the various trespass and rail disruption offences numerous protestors have been charged with since Friday 5 November.
Officers from Strike Force Tuohy, with the assistance of Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order and Riot Squad, PolAir and intelligence resources, stand ready to target anyone engaging in this dangerous and criminal behaviour, and will not hesitate to take the appropriate action.
Police have formed Strike Force Tuohy as they continue proactive operations to actively prevent and disrupt illegal protests in the Hunter/Newcastle region.
Newcastle City Police District and Police Transport Command have been dealing with ongoing protest activity aimed at disrupting sections of the rail network, with commuter and coal trains again affected today.
Since Friday 5 November 2021, officers have arrested 17 people – including eight men and nine women – who are all members of same group.
Those people have been charged with various trespass and rail disruption offences. An additional man received a penalty infringement notice.
Officers attached to Strike Force Tuohy will be conducting proactive patrols and targeting anyone engaging in suspicious behaviour.
Officers from Police Rescue, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order and Riot Squad and PolAir, as well as intelligence resources, will also assist as required.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, said police have increased security and surveillance along the rail corridor to prevent further disruption to commuter and freight trains in the area.
“This government will not tolerate protestors undermining commuter activities and causing significant damage to these local industries which employ people from across the region,” Mr Elliott said.
“Specialist and local police officers are patrolling the area to ensure any illegal protest activity is disrupted. Already local police have arrested 17 people and brought them before the courts.”
Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, said police were targeting protestors as a priority and their activities would not be tolerated.
“The actions of this group and individuals involved are placing lives at risk,” Assistant Commissioner McKenna said.
“Illegally entering rail corridors and expecting trains that are over 1.5km in length to stop for people placing themselves in front of them is outrageous and incredibly dangerous behaviour.
“We will continue to use the full force of the law to locate and arrest any persons involved in this criminal activity.”
Police will continue to work with Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and other members of the coal supply network to prevent further disruptions.
Additional security, surveillance and lighting have also been instigated at high-risk access points.
Police will continue to monitor and respond to any ongoing unauthorised protest activity and anyone who breaks the law or engages in antisocial behaviour will be dealt with accordingly.