The Napthine regime is trying to amend the Summary Offences and Sentencing Acts, ramming a Bill through Parliament that will criminalise dissent.
Under the guise of ‘combating alcohol-fuelled violence’ the amendments to the Acts smuggle with them a string of anti-democratic measures designed to limit freedom of expression and movement.
The amendments are wrapped up in purposefully ambiguous language which give police the ability to move on or arrest protestors at their own discretion. Through this Act, the Napthine government is seeking to give police extra powers, including:
➢ heightened abilities to arrest—even pre-emptively—peaceful protestors;
➢ the beefing up of ‘move on’ orders;
➢ an arsenal of harsh fines;
➢ and, a possible two year gaol term!
… and all for peacefully expressing an opinion.
These amendments need to be understood as part of a global war on dissent. It is seeking to craft authoritarian and exclusionary laws that are aimed at limiting the rights of freedom of expression, movement and the right to peaceful assembly.
Do you want to know more? The following link gives information, media reports and key documents.
http://www.iopsociety.org/australia/victoria/blog/summary-offensive
JOIN IN
Meet outside Parliament at 5pm.
We will sit in silence outside Parliament for 20minutes with our mouths taped shut. This non-violent form of protest is chosen because it has the ability to be highly visually effective.
Please bring a placard with a message on it.
CONTACT
victoria @ iopsociety.org