South Australia has passed a new law imposing harsh penalties on those who obstruct public places.

SA joins several other states in recent protest crackdowns, including New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, and Queensland. 

The law, known as the Summary Offences (Obstruction of Public Places) Amendment Bill 2023, carries the highest financial penalties in the country - $50,000 at the top end.  

The legislation was introduced by Premier Peter Malinauskas in response to recent Extinction Rebellion protests that disrupted the Australian Petroleum and Exploration Association (APPEA) annual conference. 

The law introduces maximum penalties of $50,000 or three months in prison, up from the previous maximum fine of $750. 

It also broadens the scope of the law to include “indirect” obstruction. 

While the government argues that the law targets disruptive protests, critics view it as anti-democratic and a potential infringement on the right to protest. 

The passage of the bill has sparked widespread opposition from civil society, environmental groups, unions, and legal organisations. 

Despite the new law, the government assures that lawful protests will still be allowed.

More details are accessible here.