Right to Protest Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 13 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

2. Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Right to Protest Bill 2025, introduced by the Australian Greens to codify the right to peaceful protest and invalidate conflicting state laws. The Greens argued that current state legislation disproportionately targets activists and undermines democratic freedoms, while the government and opposition opposed the bill, citing concerns over public safety, the definition of disruptive actions, and the override of state laws. One Nation expressed support for peaceful protest but raised concerns about vague wording and federal overreach. The Nationals opposed the bill, arguing it could enable coercion. The government indicated it would not support the legislation.

   Outcome: The government indicated it would not support the bill, and the opposition opposed it.

   Read the full summary