Lawyers Explore Damages Claims After NSW Court Strikes Down Protest Laws
Legal experts are assessing potential civil damages claims against the New South Wales government and police following a landmark Court of Appeal ruling that declared controversial protest restrictions unconstitutional. The Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) laws, enacted after the Bondi terrorist attack to limit protests in Greater Sydney, were found to impermissibly burden the implied right to freedom of political communication. Consequently, the Redfern Legal Centre is reviewing cases to determine if protesters can seek recourse for actions taken under these now-invalidated powers. While the ruling allows for the withdrawal of charges related to lawful assemblies, it does not automatically grant blanket immunity or damages. Legal scholars note that any civil action will likely be evaluated on a case-by basis. Despite the judicial setback, NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the legislation as necessary for public safety, while opposition leaders criticized the rushed legislative process. Pro-democracy groups hailed the decision as a victory for civil liberties, urging police to drop remaining charges against peaceful protesters.
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Lawyers Explore Damages Claims After NSW Court Strikes Down Protest Laws
Legal experts are assessing potential civil damages claims against the New South Wales government and police following a landmark Court of Appeal ruling that declared controversial protest restrictions unconstitutional. The Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) laws, enacted after the Bondi terrorist attack to limit protests in Greater Sydney, were found to impermissibly burden the implied right to freedom of political communication. Consequently, the Redfern Legal Centre is reviewing cases to determine if protesters can seek recourse for actions taken under these now-invalidated powers. While the ruling allows for the withdrawal of charges related to lawful assemblies, it does not automatically grant blanket immunity or damages. Legal scholars note that any civil action will likely be evaluated on a case-by basis. Despite the judicial setback, NSW Premier Chris Minns defended the legislation as necessary for public safety, while opposition leaders criticized the rushed legislative process. Pro-democracy groups hailed the decision as a victory for civil liberties, urging police to drop remaining charges against peaceful protesters.
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