Opinion: We cannot allow a repeat of radical water protests

Originally published in The Daily Telegraph, 6 December 2024

Protesters trying to evade police in kayaks and makeshift boats. Police forced onto and into the water to stop radical activists from breaking the law, or injuring themselves and others. Children put into canoes adjacent to a deep commercial shipping channel. And of course, nearly 180 arrests.

That’s just some of what happened during the recent dangerous and illegal Newcastle Port protest organised by the radical activist group ‘Rising Tide’.  

Coal is a major industry for NSW, particularly in the Hunter Valley, where it accounts for around 25 percent of economic activity. However, coal exports handled by the Port of Newcastle represent only around two percent of world coal production. Despite this tiny contribution, radical activists from Rising Tide sought global media attention by deliberately breaking the law in Newcastle to trigger mass arrests. 

These are highly dangerous and reckless tactics. While the activists might have scored some headlines and plenty of social media content, everyone is extremely lucky no one was hurt, or worse.  

Next time we might not be so lucky. The last thing anyone wants is for a tragedy at such events. NSW Police refused to grant permits for the event due to safety concerns, and the risks were real. That’s why, after this year’s fiasco, there should be no ‘next time’.

Protest organisers Rising Tide made a range of solemn promises before the event to Police, the Courts, and even the Mayor of Newcastle. They undertook to obey the law. Few people familiar with their past behaviour actually believed them. 

In the end, the protesters did as most predicted, and as they had always planned. Despite their solemn pre-protest promises, they deliberately risked public safety and broke the law to trigger headline-grabbing mass arrests. No-one should believe their promises ever again. 

Some of those arrested have a history of similar charges for similar protest activities here and interstate. Despite this, Rising Tide has said it expects most to just get a slap on the wrist. 

They may be correct. Courts have handed out some paltry penalties in the past, with many charges dismissed. Despite all the broken promises, will things be different this time? 

Regardless of any yet-to-be determined penalties, taxpayers will ultimately bear the cost.

In addition to Newcastle-based Police and Emergency Services personnel, others from all over NSW were also required at the Port to help protect public safety. Costs for these personnel, and all the other resources that were needed, are likely to run into tens of millions of dollars. 

Once again, taxpayers will pay for the actions of a reckless few who deliberately chose to break the law. This is money that would be much better spent on things like hospitals, schools and roads.

Despite this, not a single invoice will be sent to Rising Tide. 

This has to change. There should be a ‘user pays’ system that forces protesters to pay for at least some of the costs their illegal actions incur. An effective financial deterrent would help convince at least some not to indulge in illegal and dangerous protest activities that impose costs on others.

Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for protesters to break the law. 

And Rising Tide should never be trusted again.