Today I have moved that the Workplace (Protection from Protesters) Bill be considered by the Legislative Council Government Administration Sessional Committee B.
The Government believes consideration by the Committee will allow the Bill to be properly understood and for community concerns to be addressed.
This is an important Bill which protects the rights of employees and employers to go about their business without being stopped by protesters invading their workplace.
The Bill reflects a policy that the Liberal Government took to the election, and a clear majority of Tasmanians voted in favour of on March 15.
We are delivering on our pledge to support the right of businesses and workers to go about their work without protest activities deliberately preventing them from earning a living.
Unlike the previous Labor-Green government, who constantly criticised Legislative Councillors for doing their job, we fully respect and support the Legislative Council's role in carefully reviewing legislation.
I am hopeful that the Legislative Council will support this motion. The Government is confident that consideration by the Committee will confirm that this Bill is an essential instrument in protecting people's rights; it in no way diminishes people's rights to freedom of speech, or the right to protest.
We are prepared to consider appropriate amendments to the Bill to allay community concerns provided that the intent of the bill – protection for workers from workplace invasions – is maintained.
I look forward to working with the Committee to steer this important Bill through the Council.
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