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THE NSW Government is cracking down on railway blockaders by adding hefty fines to possible two-year jail terms for railway protests.
The government intends to legislate a maximum fine of $22,000 for obstructing a railway under the Crimes Act 1990 in addition to possible jail terms.
At present, there is no fine outlined in law for the offence, the government says.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says blocking railway lines will not be tolerated.
“Introducing this fine for blocking a railway line sends a strong message: this conduct is not acceptable,” he says.
“Recent protests have centred on railway lines, putting everyone’s safety at risk. “Protests on railway lines are seriously dangerous and disruptive, and they are not tolerated in NSW,” Minn says.
“Train drivers, passengers travelling to work, and companies going about their business should not have to contend with protesters on the tracks – it’s that simple.”
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Attorney General Michael Daley claims they are “balancing” the right to protest with community safety.
“We already have strong laws in place in this state to prevent disruptive and dangerous behaviour,” he says.
The government says the new penalty will come into line with laws passed in 2022 that make it an offence to block major roads, bridges, tunnels and major facilities like ports and railway stations.
The new provision will also apply to those people who helped protestors disrupt rail services, according to government.
It will apply statewide and to light rail and tramways.
The stronger penalty is designed to deter extremely dangerous conduct that puts train driver, rail worker and passenger safety at risk.
Blocking railway tracks disrupts commuters and trade and diverts police resources, a government statement says.
The crackdown was announced ahead of a major protest planned for Newcastle Port from November 22-25 by activist group Rising Tide Australia.
