Research shows protest permit systems limiting rights across Australia
Research shows protest permit systems in every state are being used to limit rights.
Researchers studied how states and councils now require protests to get approval first. Some systems ask organizers to notify police.
Others require government permission. Australia has moved toward approval systems, which the UN says weakens protest as a basic right.
One Bathurst council demanded $20 million insurance for a small anti-horse-culling rally. Similar barriers arose across Australia in Bendigo, Newcastle and Adelaide.
The penalties are high. Blocking a road in NSW can result in a $22,000 fine and two years in jail.
Small campaigns and First Nations communities face the biggest impact. They often lack money to handle forms, insurance and deadlines.
- $20 million
- Bathurst insurance demand
- $22,000 fine and 2 years jail
- NSW road blockade penalty
Why it mattersPermit systems that require government permission can change protest from a right into a privilege. Only authorities would have the power to grant it.
AustraliaEvery Australian state has protest permit systems, and the trend toward mandatory permission could affect anyone planning to gather publicly and object to government policy.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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