FREEZING OUT PLASTIC

  I heard you don't have to wear a suit to argue the truth! " 

Addicted" Bliss n Eso 2010

SEEING more than 70 people ‘freeze'  while holding signs calling for an end to plastic bags in NSW was a bewildering experience for more than a few Bellingen visitors.

I was visibly moved when I watched this video of our Bellingen Youth Freezing against plastic bags and the damage that it does to our precious environment!  this was so beautifully organized..

This was undertaken by the youth of the town where all of my children were schooled and lived for all of their lives!  This protest shows me that the kids are taking notice of what needs to be done in a hurry and what is just a lot of waffle!  This is very blatantly obvious with this spectacular and moving piece of footage.

Public protest is deeply rooted in our political culture. There have been countless times in the past - even in the recent past - when public demonstrations of support for a cause, or opposition to a policy or government, have changed the course of history. 'People power' can be a potent political force, whether at a national or a local level; whether to do with political causes or single issues.

Despite the positive promise of the Human Rights Act 1998  (HRA) the courts have been slow in practice to increase the scope of rights available to protestors. Parliament, on the other hand, has been quick to hand out new statutory powers – under the Terrorism Act 2000, the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003 - which all increase the scope of police to prevent the free movement of protestors and other members of the public, and the free expression of political protest.

PROTEST ORGANISED BY BELLINGEN EYE

EYE's website