“Protestors locking themselves to concrete barrels proves Labor’s new laws don’t go far enough,” Ms Frecklington said.
“Protest action that disrupts lawful work and causes delays makes Queensland a less appealing place to invest, which means less jobs for Queenslanders.
“People have a right to protest but destroying job opportunities for Queenslanders is not on.
“I’m calling on Annastacia Palaszczuk to support the LNP’s tough new industrial sabotage laws.
“Only the LNP has a plan to protect jobs with laws that get tough on job-destroying activists.”
Background:
• On 1 May 2019, Mr Dale Last MP, Member for Burdekin, introduced the Criminal Code (Trespass Offences) Amendment Bill 2019. The Bill was referred to the Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee for detailed consideration. The committee is required to report by 1 November 2019.
• Currently in Queensland the offence of trespass is a summary offence with a maximum penalty of 2,611 or one-year’s imprisonment.
• The LNP bill introduces three new criminal offences to bolster Queensland’s trespass laws. These include aggravated trespass, serious criminal trespass and organised trespass offences.
• LNP Trespass:
o Aggravated trespass: maximum of 3 years imprisonment or a maximum fine of 100 penalty units ($13,055)
o Serious Criminal Trespass: maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment or a maximum fine of 3000 penalty units ($391,650)
o Organised Trespass: maximum fine of 10 years imprisonment or 3000 penalty units ($391,650)
• The LNP’s proposed laws have been supported by the Queensland Resources Council, Queensland Major Contractors Association and Agforce. Submissions are available here https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/LACSC/inquiries/current-inquiries/Trespass2019
