Right to peaceful protest essential for democracy

June 16, 2025

John Menadue’s recommendations for a more robust, more transparent, more participative rather than heavily (allegedly) representative democracy are all sensible, reasonable and much needed.

It’s a tragedy and shameful that we cannot rely on either of the major political parties to advance these reforms. In fact, we can be confident that the two major parties will conspire together to avoid most of them or render all but ineffective any that they are dragged kicking and screaming to legislate.

Absent from John’s list, although it may be implied in his bill of rights, is enshrining in legislation the right to peaceful protest, removing the ridiculously punitive legislation directed at protesters (particularly environmental activists), and making SLAPP actions (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) illegal.

In a robust democracy, the public must be able to express en masse in public places their dissatisfaction with government (quite possibly with inconvenience to others).