Minister Condemns 'Reckless' Protesters as 141 Arrested
New South Wales Police Minister Yasmin Catley has launched a fierce defence of police actions during the weekend's climate protest in Newcastle, dismissing claims of heavy-handed tactics as 'a load of garbage'. The comments come after the environmental group Rising Tide staged a multi-day blockade of the world's largest coal port.
Minister Catley did not hold back in her criticism of the protesters, labelling them 'ridiculous' and 'reckless' during an interview with ABC Radio Newcastle. She expressed particular concern over dangerous incidents, including a collision with a police jet ski and two women climbing the side of a ship.
Protesters Disrupt Shipping Despite Safety Concerns
The 'people's blockade' organised by Rising Tide managed to disrupt coal ship movements across the weekend, though several vessels ultimately navigated safely through the harbour. A total of 141 people were arrested by police, with further charges possible after protesters locked themselves to coal-loading machinery on Monday morning.
Ms Catley revealed the tense moment she was informed that protesters had breached the marine exclusion zone. 'She said, 'I've got to go Minister, people have just broken the line, and they're heading towards the ship',' the Minister recounted, describing the 'extraordinary' fear police felt for the protesters' lives.
Conflicting Accounts of Police Interactions Emerge
In stark contrast to the Minister's characterisation, representatives from both Rising Tide and legal group Climate Defenders Australia described interactions with police as largely positive. Zack Schofield, a spokesman for Rising Tide, claimed police had allowed protesters to 'take the channel' and that at least 100 people in the channel weren't arrested.
Josh Pallas, legal director for Climate Defenders Australia, emphasised that 'the right to assemble in public is fundamental to our democratic system'. Meanwhile, Minister Catley argued that the right to free speech doesn't give anyone the right to be unsafe or 'lawless'.
The Minister also took aim at the financial implications for protesters, noting the $1100 fines for breaching the exclusion zone and suggesting they must not be affected by cost-of-living pressures. Mr Schofield fired back, calling this 'hypocritical' and accusing the government of making housing more expensive while fighting pay rises for nurses and other essential workers.
Looking forward, Ms Catley expressed doubt that protesters would be welcome back, stating she'd be 'surprised if they are allowed back' into the town. She defended her government's climate credentials, highlighting plans to transform Newcastle into 'the largest renewables port in the world'. Rising Tide has committed to fundraising to assist those facing fines from the weekend's actions.
