[Greens-Media] Media Release: Parliament supports peaceful protest while NSW government keeps police at the ready

[David Shoebridge MLC]

*Parliament supports peaceful protest while NSW government keeps police at
the ready*



As community protestors celebrated a win over coal seam gas mining at the
Bentley Blockade, all parties in the NSW Parliament today voted for a
Greens motion supporting the right of communities to engage in peaceful,
non-violent protests to protect their land and water.



With the Bentley Blockade having faced the prospect of extraordinary police
emergency powers being used to break it up, the Parliament called on the
government and NSW Police to refrain from using emergency powers to break
up and disperse any peaceful community action.



Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:



“The Bentley Blockade was a peaceful protest with enormous community
support, yet the NSW government was threatening to send in hundreds of
police to forcibly break it up.



“While the government voted for the motion, they later reserved the right
to use Police emergency powers to break up and disperse other peaceful
community actions in the future.



“This motion is not only about protecting the blockade at Bentley, it
extends to all peaceful protests around the state where communities are
standing up to protect their land, water and heritage.



“Emergency police powers to search people and vehicles, detain property and
disperse groups are a form of martial law and must never be used to attack
peaceful citizens acting in the public interest,” Mr Shoebridge said.



Greens MP and Mining Spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham said:


“Despite the threat of force being used, the community remained resilient
and succeeded in forcing the government to suspend CSG operations at
Bentley.



“The Parliament today sent a strong message to the government not to use
their emergency police powers for any peaceful protest," Mr Buckingham said.


The text of the motion as passed is below



*1829.  Mr Shoebridge to move*—


1.       That this House expresses its support for the right of communities
to engage in peaceful, non-violent protests to protect their land and water.


2.        That this House acknowledges the strength of community support
for the Bentley coal seam gas blockade in Northern New South Wales
including support from:

(a)       a large cross-section of the local community,

(b)       Local Councils and Mayors, and

(c)       religious and community leaders.


3.        That this House notes that a 2012 plebiscite in Lismore City
Council found that 87 per cent of local residents opposed coal seam gas
exploration and production in their area.


4.        That this House calls on the Coalition Government and NSW Police
to:

(a)           ensure that the peaceful nature of the blockade is respected,
and

(b)     to refrain from the use of Emergency Powers under Part 6A of the
Law Enforcement (Powers and        Responsibilities) Act to break up and
disperse this and all other peaceful community action.



-- 

* David ShoebridgeGreens MP in the NSW Legislative Council P: (02) 9230
3030 |Media: 0408 113 952|T: @ShoebridgeMLC
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