NSW Labor branches demand repeal of controversial anti-protest laws

A significant portion of the New South Wales Labor party is pushing for the repeal of controversial anti-protest laws enacted by the previous Coalition government and supported by Labor. Fifty-six Labor branches have submitted motions to the upcoming NSW state conference, demanding a review or outright repeal of the 2022 laws. The entire left faction of the party is backing a motion specifically targeting two of these laws.

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shut down branch members’ voices

The laws in question carry penalties of up to two years imprisonment for actions such as blocking access to major facilities. Another law, passed last year and restricting protests outside places of worship, is also facing calls for repeal after an earlier version was deemed unconstitutional. Motions submitted by branches argue that these laws, despite claims of promoting safety, have instead increased tension and the likelihood of violence at protests, citing "disturbing scenes" at a recent rally.

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The single most submitted issue to state conference was in the social justice and affairs chapter, and that is the right to protest, that is the right to express ourselves in this democratic society.

However, concerns are mounting among Labor members that the conference agenda may limit debate on the protest laws, as the matter is scheduled second-to-last. Civil liberties groups and party members have labeled this an attempt to "shut down branch members' voices." Asrah Sobh, a Labor party member, stated that the right to protest was the most submitted issue to the state conference, emphasizing that the party represents its rank and file, not just its leadership.

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Chris Minns is essentially not listening to his rank and file, which is not OK … because [the party] is the rank of file at the end of the day. The party is not one single man up at the top, and like all happy families, debate is an important part of how things work.

Premier Chris Minns is expected to address the party faithful and potentially announce a plan to bring train manufacturing back to the Hunter region, a move aimed at appeasing unions. This commitment involves $12 billion in funding over 15 years, with potential sites identified for a state-owned, privately operated facility. Despite this potential announcement, the debate over the anti-protest laws is poised to be a central and contentious issue at the conference.

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Although purported to promote safety, they have not delivered that outcome and have instead created conditions where tension and violence at protests are more likely to occur.