Labor have joined calls for the state government to extend public consultation for its draft protest law amendments, after the month-long period closed to submissions last weekend.
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The state's peak community legal sector body and Unions Tasmania raised concern in their submissions about the bill's scope - with the former suggesting it either be scrapped entirely or significant changes be made to reduce the "chilling" effect on people voicing concerns.
In his submission, constitutional law expert Dr Brendan Gogarty urged the government to extend the consultation and release further explanatory materials or legal advice to inform "meaningful" public consultation.
Deputy Labor leader Michelle O'Byrne told The Examiner the previous bill was "flawed" and said the government should extend consultation on to ensure "all stakeholders are engaged".
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"The last time the government tried this type of legislation it was politically motivated, poorly drafted and ultimately flawed," Ms O'Byrne said.
Responding to questions on Sunday, Building and Construction Minister Sarah Courtney said in developing the bill the government had undertaken five weeks of consultation with the public, but would not be drawn on the possibility of an extension.
Ms Courtney added it was a "long established practice" that Tasmanian governments do not release legal advice.
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said: "If [the government] won't listen to the High Court, it's unlikely they'll listen to anyone."
"A massive $355,000 was wasted by the Hodgman Government, who drafted laws that contravened the implied right to freedom of political communication in the Australian Constitution."
"In not releasing the advice, the Liberals risk further legal challenge."
On Wednesday, Ms Courtney said she would not comment on individual submissions and noted the government looked forward to considering the feedback provided ahead of a final bill being put to parliament later in the year.
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