Vic protest laws pass lower house

New laws that opponents say will restrict the right to protest have passed Victoria's lower house with the support of independent Geoff Shaw.

Controversial laws that opponents say will restrict the right to protest have passed Victoria's lower house.

Several thousand unionists took to the streets of Melbourne on Tuesday to protest against the laws, arguing they will reduce basic legal rights.

Labor also opposes the laws saying they are Joh Bjelke-Petersen-like.

But Attorney-General Robert Clark told parliament on Thursday that lawful and legitimate protest would not be affected by the laws.

He said the laws are aimed at stopping protesters impeding people from entering premises.

Balance-of-power MP Geoff Shaw sided with the government and the laws passed the Legislative Assembly by one vote.

They will now go to the upper house where the government has a majority.


1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world