Legislation targets forest protesters | Poll

Police Minister Liza Harvey said the Criminal Code did not adequately deter and prevent the growing incidence of protesters locking themselves to objects with devices so secure they required a skilled technician to remove them.

Mrs Harvey said protests were growing increasingly dangerous and volatile, with an increased chance of injury to police and the protesters themselves.

“Protestors are using devices such as thumb locks and arm locks that are made in such a way that not even the protester can unlock them,” she said.

“Removal is dangerous and in most instances requires a costly technician to be called in and is likely to cause some degree of injury to the protester.

“The legislation creates a new offence of physical prevention of a lawful activity, providing police with the ability to charge a person who creates a physical barrier with the intent to prevent a lawful activity from being conducted.

“This offence will relieve the frustration and delay for workers and management at development sites and ensure people who partake in dangerous conduct will face consequences for their actions.”

The law also prohibits the manufacture, adaption and possession of things that aid in the prevention of lawful activity, allowing police to seize items from offenders before they are used in an offence.

The Minister said in circumstances where a protester endangered the safety of any person while protesting, including themselves, they would risk a greater penalty.

“While people have a democratic right to protest, we need to protect the rights of companies and employees who are lawfully conducting their business,” she said.

“This Government is dedicated to making communities safer and protecting the rights of law abiding citizens by providing police with the resources they need to carry out their duties.”

The penalty is up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a $12,000 fine.

In circumstances of aggravation, the penalty is 24 months imprisonment and a fine of $24,000.

WA Forest Alliance Convenor Jess Beckerling said the laws would not stop people from defending forests and wildlife.

"They will simply highlight what draconian measures the Barnett Government is prepared to stoop to silence dissent," she said. 

"People have tried everything, and scientists have made it clear that threatened species habitat needs to be protected from logging and land-clearing to prevent extinctions. Save Mowen Forest even raised the anticipated net income from logging Mowen to try and 'buy' the right to Mowen's protection. The Barnett Government refuses to meet with community people on this issue, and rejects all offers and requests. 

"Non-violent direct action has been critical to achieving some of our most basic freedoms such as the 8-hour working day and women's suffrage. It is used when something has to change and Governments refuse to listen. 

"This is extreme legislation that would potentially jail people," she said.