Last week, student protesters were arrested outside the Queensland Parliament after the phrase “From the River to the Sea” was banned under new laws.
The Curtin Student Guild unequivocally calls for these charges to be dropped and for these laws to be repealed. Criminalising political speech and arresting students for peaceful protest is a direct attack on democratic rights and freedom of expression.
This is not an isolated incident. Across Australia, democratic rights are being eroded, with governments expanding police powers and restricting protest. In Western Australia, proposed protest and “post and boast” laws raise serious concerns about the continued narrowing of civil liberties.
We call on all governments and authorities to protect democracy, not erode it. Students must be able to speak out, organise, and protest without fear.