Are some protests more worthy than others? The State Government's anti-protest laws have exposed some absurd double standards in South Australian political debate, argues Matthew Abraham.
The Malinauskas Government's bill to lift fines for obstructing a public place from $750 to $50,000 or three months jail in the wake of a traffic-stopping protest has passed the Upper House and will become law after a marathon 14 hour overnight debate.
UPDATED: The Malinauskas Government has defended itself against fierce union and crossbench criticism after its law introducing hugely increased penalties for obstructive protest passed the Upper House, calling it a "victory for common sense" as a national human rights group flags a possible High Court challenge.
Members of more than 15 unions as well as Upper House MPs have attended a second rally opposing the Malinauskas Government’s tough anti-protest Bill, with a former Labor minister saying the party has “no excuse” for rushing through the legislation.