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It's time for a 'user pays' approach to dangerous protests

Illegal protesters must pay their way

The right to protest is important in our democracy.

But the recent outburst of dangerous illegal protests has gone too far.

Extremist activists with rudimentary equipment have blocked rail corridors in the Hunter region, caused chaos at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, climbed on cranes at busy ports, also using dinghies and kayaks to interfere with busy shipping lanes in Newcastle. 

It’s dangerous. It risks community safety. It inconveniences everyone else. 

It also requires a large amount of Police and other Emergency Services personnel, and other government resources that could be far better used.

And it’s taxpayers who are forced to pay the bill.

When Police and emergency responders have to be deployed to end an illegal protest, taxpayers pay the bill.

When repairs are needed on damaged public infrastructure as a result of illegal protests, taxpayers pay the bill.

When illegal protesters block rail corridors, stopping commuter rail services, requiring replacement buses to be provided, taxpayers pay the bill.

We need a ‘user pays’ approach to dangerous protests, so that taxpayers aren’t paying when radical activists break the law.

A ‘user pays’ approach would authorise Police and emergency services to send protest groups the bill when radical activists break the law.

And it would mean infrastructure operators and others can recover some of the costs when radical activists vandalise their property.

We need an effective financial deterrent to stop lawbreaking activists holding our state to ransom.

Sign the petition now and make your voice heard!

Petition:

Dear Federal and State Political Leaders

Radical lawbreaking activists are holding our state to ransom.

In recent years, extremists have blocked rail corridors, roads and ports - putting themselves and emergency responders in harm’s way.

It’s costing our state a fortune, and taxpayers are footing the bill.

We, the undersigned, call for a ‘user pays’ approach to dangerous protests.

Police and emergency services should be able to recover costs incurred when radical activists break the law.

Illegal protesters should also be liable for any costs or damages that result from their actions, including the return of impacted rail lines and other key infrastructure to operation.

And we call for tougher laws and penalties to stop the escalation in criminal behaviour from radical activists.

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