It’s time for tougher penalties to deter law-breaking ‘activists’

Last month, radical activists and extremists spent two weeks illegally blocking trains and port access along the Hunter rail line. Almost all of these activists were from outside the Hunter, with some from as far away as Melbourne and Adelaide.

With utter disregard for the impact of their actions on local residents, these protesters put the safety of themselves and others at risk, including the Emergency Services personnel and rail workers forced to remove them from the rail corridor.

Over 700 passenger train services were cancelled for safety reasons, with an associated impact on the travel plans of thousands of people. Medical appointments were jeopardised, child care arrangements trashed, hard working local families were unnecessarily stressed.

34 people were arrested, but these selfish activists did not face ‘the full force of the law’. Most were let off with token fines or some other kind of ‘slap on the wrist’.

It’s time for tougher penalties to deter these types of dangerous and illegal actions in the future.

On a more positive note, mining families and Newcastle Knights fans will have the opportunity to show their support at the 12th annual Voice for Mining Family Day on Sunday 1 September. 

The Knights will once again wear their now famous hi-vis mining jersey to play the Gold Coast Titans at McDonald Jones Stadium, as the Knights fight for a spot in the top eight.

It’s an exciting time of the year as we cheer on the Knights and celebrate all the good things mining brings to NSW. 

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in your own hi-vis at the game.

Stephen Galilee
CEO, NSW Minerals Council