CIVIL liberties groups, unions and environmentalists have urged the Legislative Council to reject the government's anti-protest legislation, despite significant amendments.
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The government will amend its bill to more clearly define businesses subject to the laws, listing mining, forestry, agriculture, construction and manufacturing activities as vulnerable to protest action.
Mandatory prison sentences have also been removed for summary offences.
However, a coalition of groups, including Civil Liberties Australia, Unions Tasmania, The Wilderness Society and the Greens, signed a joint letter asking the Legislative Council to block the bill.
"We believe the bill proposes a dramatic and dangerous change to the Tasmanian legal system which diminishes the separation of powers, curtails free speech, duplicates existing laws and may contravene the Constitution," the letter says.
"We request that you vote against this bill as a matter of principle, as we do not believe there are any amendments that could make this bill acceptable."
But at least once councillor was responsive to the amendments, with Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall saying his concerns appeared to have been met.
"It seems like the government have addressed many of the contentious issues," he said.
Rosevears independent MLC Kerry Finch said he would be closely scrutinising the laws, but was wary of the need for such harsh measures.
"Do we really need this sort of legislation in a small and peaceful island state?" he asked.
"I will be looking very carefully at any legislation to restrict protests in Tasmania, and I will be very conscious of Tasmania's image, because it's vital to our economy."
Other Legislative Councillors were guarded in their response, or yet to review the amendments, when contacted by The Examiner.
Resources Minister Paul Harriss said the bill would protect businesses from radical protests.
"We have listened to the concerns about perceived challenges," Mr Harriss said.
"Enough is enough and we do need to protect those workplaces."
Greens MHA Nick McKim called the laws an extremist attack on freedom of expression.
"No matter how hard Mr Harriss tries to polish the cowpat, it's still a cowpat," Mr McKim said.
