The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas expressed their concern on August 23 to their state MP, Chris Gulaptis, about the recent addition to the NSW Government's anti-protestor laws. They presented him with a letter outlining their concerns.
The text of the letter is printed below.
* * * * *
In May 2016
the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas and Greed wrote to you
about our concerns about the draconian laws your Government brought in. These increased
penalties for those involved in protests.
At the time, it was obvious to us that the law changes were aimed at
those in the community who were protesting about coal seam and unconventional
gas.
The Nannas pointed
out that these new laws were an infringement of civil rights.
We are now
alarmed that, not satisfied with that
curtailing of our basic freedoms, your Government now has in place amendments
to the Crown Land Management Act which restrict even further the rights of
community members in this state.
We understand
that regulations which came into force on July 1 this year now give very broad
powers to police and other public officials to disperse or ban public
gatherings including protests, rallies and meetings. These powers relate to all government owned
(or crown land) which makes up almost half of NSW.
This is
appalling and a gross over-reach by government which is obviously so terrified
of public opinion and its ability to force change that it is seeking to limit
the community’s opportunities to gather and publicise its concerns.
These laws
are unnecessary and undemocratic.
We point out
that the Australian Constitution contains an implied freedom of political
communication. We understand that these
laws are likely to contravene this right.
Do you
support these laws which are moving us inexorably towards becoming a police
state reminiscent of the situation in the former Soviet Union?
The Nannas
look forward to your response.
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| Ann & Susanna with the letter |
