FED Right to Engage in Peaceful Protest in a Public Place

Right to Protest Bill 2025

Private Member's Bill

27 Aug 2025: MPs in the first house are debating whether this bill is a good idea in principle.

Senate

House of Representatives

Assent

Share this bill

Email Facebook X Bluesky

Topics

civil liberties human rights peaceful protest public assembly public order

Introduced by: Senator David Shoebridge (GRN)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

People have a legal right to engage in peaceful protest in a public place.
The government can only restrict this right if it is necessary in a democratic society; this includes protecting national security, public safety, public order, public health, or the rights of others.
Any restriction must be appropriately adapted to address an unacceptable risk of harm.
Penalties for breaking protest restrictions are considered unnecessary if the fine or punishment is excessive.
Commonwealth, State, and Territory laws have no effect if they are inconsistent with this right to protest.
The Crown must comply with this Act.