Anti-protest Laws Pass in Victoria

The amendment to the Summary Offences Act gives the police more power, as these broader laws and can be manipulated to police advantage. They can now move against protesters who are blocking access to buildings, obstructing people or traffic, or who are expected to turn violent. Is can include anyone they don't like or that people in power want removed. This is another move into the dictatorship direction that we are experiencing from a right wing government.

The change will also allow the courts to issue an exclusion order preventing those repeatedly told to move on from entering a particular public space for up to 12 months. The maximum penalty for breaching an exclusion order is two years imprisonment. This effects our vulnerable population and limits our freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. 

This was framed to limit anti-abortion activists, but we see right through that. Howard experienced some of the biggest protests the country has seen and the Libs are back and setting up for something big. Perfect timing for the March in March. It's more obvious that this law directly effects those opposing the East-West toll road tunnel, as protesters ceased and prolonged construction. This not only limits those pesky lefty hippies, it effects unions, environmental issues,
human rights issues like gay marriage and women's rights and the freedom to oppose those in power.

Related article: http://thkpr.gs/1go08SE
Related article: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/victorian-anti-protest-laws-pass-lower-house