In November 2021, a climate activist was sentenced to 12 months in prison in New South Wales for peaceful civil disobedience, while in Newcastle, police raided an environment centre, taking paint and chalk.
In 2020, New South Wales police pepper sprayed peaceful, COVID-safe protestors at a Black Lives Matter rally. They chased students protesting at the University of Sydney on horseback, and injured both protestors and bystanders.
Professor Simon Rice had his legs kicked out from under him while he was simply watching a protest.
This disproportionate and unnecessary use of force unduly restricts the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and does nothing to protect people's health.
Protestors are taking to the streets to call for justice, equality and human rights. They might face pepper spray, arrest, or injury, simply for standing up for what’s right.
Together we can ensure everyone can safely stand up for what’s right - take action and call for New South Wales police to respect the right to peaceful assembly.