Protest laws in crosshairs ahead of state Labor forum
Calls for a complete overhaul of protest laws have intensified ahead of the state Labor Party conference.
The Australian Democracy Network is leading a crackdown on protest laws and policing in NSW; Party loyalists gather in Sydney for the annual meeting of state branches and unions to debate policy positions.
A multibillion-dollar government investment in train manufacturing will also be the centerpiece of Prime Minister Chris Minns’ speech on Saturday.
ADN campaigner Anastasia Radievska said NSW had more laws restricting peaceful protests than other jurisdictions.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic freedom,” he said.
“This conference gives Labor the opportunity to ensure NSW has laws that protect this right while protecting public safety.”
More than 50 motions calling for the repeal of anti-protest laws have been passed by party branches and unions across the state, according to pro-democracy campaigners and community groups.
Scrutiny over protest law and policing has intensified following demonstrations against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit in February, which led to a violent clash between officers and protesters, including the widely condemned shoving of Muslim worshipers as they prayed.
The rally was restricted by laws introduced following the Bondi terror attack in December, which have since been struck down in the NSW Supreme Court.
Pro-Palestinian protesters will also gather outside the Labor Party conference to demand police drop all charges related to the February demonstrations.
The party’s base is expected to hear from the prime minister about plans to establish a $12 billion passenger train manufacturing industry in the Hunter Valley.
One of two possible sites at Teralba or Broadmeadow will be chosen as the new home of train construction, allowing the state to supply new fleets locally rather than outsourcing.
”I will never accept that we are bad at building big, necessary things in NSW,” Mr Minns will say.
”What we needed was a government with some faith and the will to stand on our own feet.”
The announcement comes weeks after the presentation of a state budget focused on easing the cost of living, with elections looming in March 2027.
Tax reform could also come forward following the federal Labor government’s agreement with the Greens to limit negative gearing and capital gains allowances.
The changes aim to help more Australians become homeowners.
The conference comes as the Albanian government’s chances improve after Labor narrowly edged out One Nation following Pauline Hanson’s controversial National Press Club speech in June.
In the latest Redbridge poll, Labor had 30 per cent support (up two), One Nation had 29 (down two), the coalition had just 18 (down two) and the Greens had 14 (up two).
