The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) NSW has 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 two 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,” NTEU NSW Secretary Dr Damien Cahill said.
“Despite amendments passed by Labor, the Bill also potentially criminalises many activities that union members take as part of protected industrial action.
“It is not just industrial action but other forms of protest such as around climate change that may be criminalised by this Bill.
“The Bill diminishes civil and industrial liberties and should be opposed.
“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.”