Protesters formed a “blockade” in the Port of Newcastle on Sunday in the third day of unrest, calling on the federal government to rule out new coal and gas mines and for a 78 per cent tax on coal and gas exports.
“Thousands of people from across the country have joined locals here to do what the Albanese government has failed to do - protect Australians from the worst impacts of climate change,” she said.
“Despite the government’s attempts to shut down our peaceful blockade, today we have successfully blockaded the world’s largest coal port.”
Ships temporarily stopped travelling through the area as a result of the protest, the port authority said.
Except for the fact that people keep getting arrested for them. Thats a big detterent for most and is often a display of governmental/corporate power. We are always told protest it if you don’t like our policies then they put you in cuffs when you try to make your voice heard.
All the more important to protest
There are plenty of protest roles that don’t risk arrest. You need to take very specific actions in order to be arrested at these events, every single person arrested over the weekend was very well informed and made a conscious decision to get arrested.
See the comment I made here for a bit more info.
So were you charged for resisting or anything?
I was charged under s15a of the maritime safety act for disobeying a lawful order. We attempted to paddle into the shipping channel in order to block a coal ship that was minutes away from leaving it’s mooring.
I did not resist arrest and fully complied with police once I was in their custody.
Do you know if it’s criminal or just a fine?
I do not, sorry. My solicitor is busy with everyone else right now and I’ve no intention of bothering them during this difficult time. Personally I don’t really care that much, regardless of consequences I’ll still do what’s right.
I hope it’s just a charge and no criminal conviction
💚 All I know is I won’t be facing prison, just a small fine. My best guess is not criminal, but I’m really not familiar enough with the law to know.