Tasmanian workers have spoken out against Will Hodgman’s proposed anti-protest laws.
Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations Michelle O’Byrne said the poorly written legislation is a bad bill for working Tasmanians.
“The legislation shows up a government hell bent on limiting the voices of working people and Tasmanians who call the Liberals out for their failures.
“Under this legislation, nurses protesting about a lack of resources outside our hospitals, or factory workers demanding better leave entitlements, could be fined or even jailed.
“Labor is the greatest supporter of working Tasmanians and we will not support laws that directly attack a worker’s right to protest.
“Labor voted against the anti-protest laws last time they were in Parliament and we’ll be saying no again. The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental part of our democracy and must be protected.”
Ms O’Byrne said the legislation was a Liberal stunt, designed to distract from the ongoing crisis in our hospitals, and other bad news for Will Hodgman’s Government.
“If the Government is so worried about protesters impeding the work of forestry businesses, then let’s have a discussion about trespass and criminal damage laws. Labor is up for that conversation.
“This is a stunt and a distraction. Why else would they be bringing it on right at the end of a sitting year?”
Michelle O’Byrne
Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations
