Newcatle Activist Group, Rising Tide Announced Snap Rally in Sydney Against Supreme Court Challenge

30 October 2024

Newcastle-based climate action group Rising Tide have planned a snap rally outside the Supreme Court of New South Wales this Friday, 1 November, as NSW Police escalate their efforts to halt Rising Tide’s planned “People’s Blockade” of Newcastle’s coal port. The group is set to gather at 8:30 am on the steps of the Supreme Court in Sydney, urging supporters to stand with them in defence of the right to protest.

The People’s Blockade, scheduled for later in November, has drawn attention as an ambitious demonstration aiming to disrupt coal exports for 50 hours through a mass assembly of kayaks, rafts, and activists on the water. This “protestival” is expected to attract thousands from across Australia, gathering not just to oppose fossil fuels but to celebrate climate action with live music, workshops, and communal activities on Newcastle’s beaches.

Despite Rising Tide’s efforts to liaise with authorities to ensure the event’s safety and structure, NSW Police have raised significant objections, citing public safety concerns. This marks the second instance in recent weeks that the police have legally challenged a protest through the court, following a similar situation involving pro-Palestine demonstrators.

Rising Tide sees the court’s involvement as a heavy-handed attempt by the government to silence climate activism. “This can only mean one thing: what we’re doing is working, and the government is fighting back,” the group stated on social media, saying the urgency of climate action and their commitment to lawful, peaceful assembly. The group insists that the right to assemble on public beaches and waters for protest remains a cornerstone of Australian democracy.

The court hearing on Friday will review police evidence against the planned event, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for Tuesday to allow Rising Tide’s legal team to respond. The group is prepared for all outcomes, stating that contingency plans are in place should the court rule against them.

Community support for the People’s Blockade has surged, with civil liberties organisations and environmental advocates rallying behind Rising Tide. Amnesty International Australia and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties have condemned police actions, suggesting they set a “troubling precedent” for public assembly rights in New South Wales.

If the court challenge is unsuccessful, Rising Tide’s event will proceed as planned to push for immediate climate policy changes, including ending coal exports by 2030 and implementing a tax on fossil fuel profits to fund a clean energy transition. Rising Tide says that defending the right to protest is critical to driving meaningful social change.