Public consultation is being sought on an updated workplace protection bill for Tasmania after the High Court found existing laws impacted implied freedom of political communication.
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The government committed to the amendments ahead of the 2018 state election.
Building and Construction Minister Sarah Courtney will today release the draft Workplaces (Protection from Protestors) Amended Bill 2019 and open consultation with the public and 50 stakeholders.
Ms Courtney said the draft bill would deliver on a key election promise and mean protection of the rights of Tasmanian businesses and their workers to earn a living free from disruption is one step closer.
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Every Tasmanian should have the right to go about their lawful work without the threat of being intentionally shut down and their business harmed, she said.
Weve twice taken this policy to elections and received the support of Tasmanians.
The Government notes and accepts the decision of the High Court in relation to certain provisions of the 2014 Act.
The High Court challenge was brought on by former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown after being arrested under the laws at a Lapoinya logging site in 2016.
Dr Brown's legal challenge agreed to by the court argued the laws contravened the constitutional rights of citizens. The state was ordered to pay costs.
The court found that the impugned provisions of the Protesters Act effectively burdened the implied freedom of political communication.
A majority of the court declared that the impugned provisions were invalid in their operation in respect of forestry land and related business access areas, the decision read.
The amended bill would seek to address the very substantial financial cost to businesses and their employees due to disruption from protesters, Ms Courtney said.
We make no apologies for standing up for Tasmanians rights to go about their lawful business and earn a living.
The draft bill will be available on the Justice Department website from this afternoon. Consultation will close on March 3.
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Matt Dennien
Matt Dennien is a journalist at The Examiner, based in Launceston. Contact him via email at matt.dennien@examiner.com.au, or more securely via Signal on +61 437 672 994.
Matt Dennien is a journalist at The Examiner, based in Launceston. Contact him via email at matt.dennien@examiner.com.au, or more securely via Signal on +61 437 672 994.
