Blocking Trains Targeted in New NSW Protest Law

A planned climate protest, which might see a blockade of rail lines to the world’s largest coal mine at Newcastle, has prompted the New South Wales State (NSW) government to introduce a specific offence covering such an action. Although protesters who blocked trains already face up to two years in jail, there is no added threat of a fine as is the case if they were to obstruct a road, bridge, port or other major facility. Labor plans to introduce legislation which will add a fine of up to $22,000 to the possible penalty, which would apply to not only railway lines across the state but also light rail lines, such as those outside Sydney’s Town Hall, where protesters frequently gather....