NSW: Fines for HMAS Sydney protesters inadequate, say police
By Janine O'Neill and Graham Webber
SYDNEY, April 30 AAP - Laws covering protests in NSW will be reviewed after anti-waractivists who disrupted the departure of an Australian warship bound for the Persian Gulfwere fined $440 each.
Sydney magistrate Ross Pogson today imposed the maximum penalty on eight Greenpeaceactivists, but said it was inadequate punishment.
On April 9, peace activists scaled the sides of HMAS Sydney and unfurled a "no-war"
banner in a high-profile protest that brought the vessel to a halt in Sydney Harbour.
Two of the protesters evaded authorities to attach themselves to the hull of the warshipwith climbing equipment.
Police and politicians today agreed with Magistrate Pogson's view the punishment availableto be meted out was inadequate.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Andrew Scipione said he would meet with Police MinisterJohn Watkins to discuss toughening legislation covering public protests on water.
"Clearly the penalty handed down today, being the maximum, was not adequate," Mr Scipione said.
"It just clearly proves we need to have another look at the legislation.
"There are far greater outcomes if you have a radar detector in your vehicle than thereis based on what we saw handed down today."
Mr Watkins said police had used the charges available to them over the protest.
"It's certainly appropriate to be fined, it's the extent of the fine and what otherpenalties could or should apply that I'll be discussing with the commissioner," he said.
Nicholas Clyde, Megan Ivory, Jan Madsen, Geoffrey Nimmo, Logan Petley, Sarah Roberts,Philip Wollam and Michael Rosato all pleaded guilty to wilfully preventing the free passageof a vessel.
Mr Nimmo read a statement to the Downing Centre Local Court on behalf of the groupsaying he and some of the other protesters had served in the armed forces and the actionhad targeted the government, not the troops.
"Our action was based on respect for international law over and above unilateral action,"
Mr Nimmo said.
Magistrate Pogson said the protesters may well have had significant community supportfor their cause but their actions would have been offensive to any fair-minded person.
Outside court Greenpeace chief executive Peter Mullins said his organisation wouldpay all the fines, but was adamant the demonstration was non-violent and "we did not breakthe law".
Opposition Police spokesman Peter Debnam said people who tried to stop navy warshipsshould be jailed.
AAP jo/nf/mg/sp
KEYWORD: IRAQ FRIGATE NIGHTLEAD
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