The right and freedom to protest is fundamental to the legitimacy of our democracy. To take action on the streets is often the only path available to challenge institutional or structural inequalities and injustice.

In NSW, that basic political right has been dramatically and abruptly curtailed. In April 2022, draconian anti-protest laws have been rammed through NSW Parliament in less than 48 hours by the Coalition government with the support of Labor and the conservative crossbench. 

Since this law was passed, people in NSW are not permitted to protest unless they are protesting in a State-sanctioned place, on a State-sanctioned topic, with the prior permission of the State.

What happened in the NSW Parliament last year was a terrible and shameful chapter in our democratic history, and the Coalition, Labor and conservative cross-bench should hang their heads in shame. 

The Greens will continue to fight for the fundamental right to protest and will not give up until we overturn this dreadful law.