MINNS LABOR GOVERNMENT MUST END PROTEST FREE RIDE
The NSW Opposition is calling on Premier Chris Minns to immediately address the skyrocketing cost of managing repeat protests, which have already cost taxpayers more than $5 million in the last year, and not defer the issue to yet another review.
Instead of allowing public resources to be wasted week after week on the same demonstrations, the Minns Labor Government doesn’t need another review. It must adapt the current Police user-pays system to ensure those who organise repeat protests are the ones footing the bill.
Palestinian Anti Israel Demonstration,Market Street, Sydney- Photo Credit:Axel Ritenis
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said we can no longer allow serial protests to drain millions from our public purse. By amending section 208 of the Police Act, we can introduce a mechanism to ensure that repeat protest organisers can be held accountable for the costs they impose on our community – with a general rule against authorisation for repeat protests if the organisers won’t meet the cost.
“Every dollar that’s spent on policing serial protests is a dollar that could be going towards improving the lives of NSW families. Whether it’s hiring new teachers, putting more paramedics on the road, or boosting our police numbers to keep our streets safe, Chris Minns needs to prioritise the community,” Mr Speakman said.
The cost of these repeat protests to date could have been used to hire for one year:
- 52 new teachers in our schools, giving students the education they deserve or
- 56 additional paramedics responding to emergencies faster and saving lives or
- 71 nurses to ease the strain in our hospitals, ensuring proper care for every patient or
- 55 firefighters ready to protect homes and lives in times of crisis or
- 69 new police officers on the streets to tackle rising crime or
- 113 Service NSW frontline staff improving access to essential services or
- 84 bus drivers or
- 84 train drivers or
- 63 child protection workers to safeguard the most vulnerable kids.
Shadow Police Minister Paul Toole said amendments are needed to the Police Act to amend the current user-pays model to allow Police to charge for supplementary policing services for repeat protests, even when they are not requested by an event organiser. Currently, Police can only charge for supplementary policing services if requested.
“Why should NSW taxpayers be forced to subsidise the same protests week after week? Police should be focused on keeping our streets safe, not managing endless marches.
The organisers should be responsible for paying for the cost of these protests. We see sporting events, music festivals and major events having a ‘user pay system.’
Police are there to maintain public order and it’s only right that protest organisers pay for these disruptions, not everyday families, to cover the cost of their actions. Enough is enough!” Mr Toole said.
An amended user-pays system would make organisers of repeated protests financially accountable, freeing up police resources for essential duties such as tackling crime, road safety and responding to emergencies. The Minns Labor Government’s current approach is not only a drain on the budget but also a failure to address the concerns of the public.
The Minns Labor Government must take responsibility and implement a system that ensures public resources are protected and used for the benefit of NSW families, not squandered on managing serial protests.
