On May 24th 2022, the Andrews government introduced changes to forest protesting laws, with fines of up to $21,000 or 12 months in jail and increased powers for authorised officers to search vehicles for so-called prohibited items. Despite widespread public support in Victoria for an end to native forest logging, this is a further attempt to demonise community members for peacefully protesting against logging. This comes after recent laws were passed in NSW targeting peaceful protesters who disrupt traffic or industrial sites.
Changes introduced to forest protest laws (Vic)
