The Wilderness Society Some disturbing news out of Tasmania today: "In a hardline Australian first, environmental protesters who enter Tasmanian workplaces will face mandatory jail terms under a Liberal government [and] 'illegal' protesters would also be hit with $10,000 on-the-spot fines - a 26-fold increase - for 'invading' a workplace." This is a complete overreaction. Peaceful protest is an important democratic institution for environmentalists, for workers, and for the entire community. Encouraging dialogue and collaboration is a much better way of addressing community issues than proposing extreme laws like these, which close down the chances of reasoned debate. Protestors accept that there may be consequences for their actions - but seeking to put in place such extreme measures is an attempt to close off access to a legitimate form of participation in public debate. What are your thoughts? The Examiner is taking a poll right now: http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1959358/protesters-in-hodgmans-sights/?cs=95