The government has maintained the legislation, to be brought on for debate in the House of Assembly next week, are intended to protect workers and workplace operations from activist interference.

But Lyons Labor MHR Jen Butler said the legislation was broad and opponents to the proposed Northern prison location could potentially be ensnared by the new laws.

"These laws are symptomatic of a government desperate to silence the opinions of people in Tasmania," she said.

Labor's justice spokeswoman Ella Haddad said anyone could potentially lose their right to speak out on an issue or risk a substantial fine or jail term.

"The bill represents an absolute attack on people's fundamental democratic right to protest and have their say," she said.

Government minister Guy Barnett said the bill did not stop anyone from speaking out or raising community concerns.

"Rather, the bill seeks to implement the fundamental principle that, while people are free to protest, our laws should protect lawful business activities and their workers," he said.

"If passed, it would apply only to actions which affect or are intended to affect the lawful rights of others."

The laws would mean a person could face 18 months' imprisonment for the first offence and four years' jail for a second offence.

The jail terms could attract an additional $10,000 fine for individuals and $100,000 for a corporation.

The laws will provide exemptions for union-backed protests and activity that has been granted police permits.

Successful passage of the laws to the Legislative Council will require support from independent Madeleine Ogilvie and House of Assembly Speaker Sue Hickey.

Ms Ogilvie voted against the legislation when she was a member of the Labor Party but has not yet signaled her intention this time around.