MORE NSW GOVERNMENT ANTI-PROTESTER LAWS

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.

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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.

Ann & Susanna with the letter

GRAFTON NANNAS CALL ON GULAPTIS TO ACT TO PROTECT LAND AND WATER SUPPLIES

 The Grafton Nannas have written to their State Member of Parliament, Chris Gulaptis, calling on him to urge his Government to halt immediately all unconventional gas  mining in NSW.  The letter was delivered  to his office on Thursday 13th March.  A similar letter from the Clarence Valley Conservation Coalition was also delivered at this time.

Below is  the text of the KNAG letter.

Following the recent contamination to the groundwater in the Pilliga State Forest , The Knitting Nannas Against Gas – Grafton Loop are calling on the State Government to put a stop to all unconventional gas mining in NSW.

It is time our MPs took the step to protect the land and water supplies of the people in their electorates.

It is unacceptable that communities have to live with the threat of contamination from this invasive industry.

Below are quotes from the EPA and Public Health:

"On Friday, EPA chief environmental regulator Mark Gifford confirmed the contamination was caused by water leaking from the pond and that lead, aluminium, arsenic, barium, boron, nickel and uranium had been detected in an aquifer at levels ''elevated when compared to livestock, irrigation and health guidelines''.
 SMH, 8th March 2014

“The heavy metals in the water and particularly the high levels of aluminium are certainly a concern if this industry is going to spread.  I’m not confident the EPA has the appropriate testing methodology to deal with or prepare for such a contamination situation and the ongoing repercussions.”
Dr Con Costa, public health physician and GP, media release 12th March 2014

The industry has now been proven to be unsafe and as such should be halted immediately.

 The delegation presenting letters at the office of Chris Gulaptis