The Victorian government has pushed through a shocking new anti-protest law that will see peaceful protesters faced with fines of up to $21,000, or 12 months in jail, for trying to protect our environment from logging.

For a young person like me who is concerned about the environment and rallies for climate action, this amendment will criminalise my right to stand up for what I believe in. 

I’m calling on the Victorian government to repeal the undemocratic Sustainable Forests Timber Amendment Act 2022. 

With this Act, we won’t be able to protest decisions that have the potential of worsening the climate crisis. In our fight against global warming, forests are essential. Australia is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather occurrences, as Australians have seen over the previous few years. We need laws and systems in place to bolster environmental protection, not criminalize it!

The government has tried to justify the amendment claiming it ensures "all Victorians are safe at work." However, unions, including the Victorian branches of the Maritime Union of Australia, the United Workers Union and the Australian Services Union, have written to Daniel Andrews saying this is not true.

Indiscriminate and often, unlawful logging has caused irreversible damage to endangered species. With both our iconic native species, the koalas and greater gliders, being listed as endangered species, now is the time for increased scrutiny on logging activities that are destroying their habitats.

Furthermore, this act passed by the Victorian Government sets a precedent for other States and Territories to follow suit, affecting every person within Australia looking to enact their freedoms. 

Please sign my petition to stand up for the environment and our animals. Sign this petition if you care about your right to freedom of expression.