Alternative Law Journal

New offences and increased penalties

Kira Levin

New South Wales

There has been a tenfold increase in the maximum penalty for statutory trespass, which, in effect, elevates business premises above other private premises by providing a much higher penalty for trespass and 'interference'. This approach mirrors the approach taken in anti-protest laws in Western Australia and Tasmania recently, in which interference with business is asserted as a justification for imposing exceptionally heavy penalties for protest actions.

Offences under the Crimes Act 1900 associated with 'interfering with a mine' which are punishable by a maximum of seven years imprisonment have been broadened and amended to include places at which gas or other petroleum operations are being undertaken.

KIRA LEVIN is a solicitor with EDO NSW.

Cite as

(2016) 41(2) AltLJ 136