Government gags Sykes on pipeline trespass

Source: Sykes Media Release - 01.08.08

The Attorney-General used ‘points of order’ to prevent Nationals MP, Bill Sykes from highlighting in Parliament this week acts of trespass by Government employed staff on the North-South Pipeline.

Dr Sykes was debating the Evidence Bill and tried to use a letter written by ‘Sugarloaf Alliance’ regarding trespass by staff to illustrate the issue of proving beyond reasonable doubt, as provided for in the Evidence Bill, that a crime had been committed.

Dr Sykes said, “The Attorney-General’s actions highlighted the Government’s sensitivity to criticism of its handling of the North-South Pipeline project.

“It also highlights the Government’s dual standards – gagging debate on actual offences of trespass by Government agencies whilst at the same time orchestrating a massive media condemnation of a potential act of trespass on Premier Brumby’s property which never actually eventuated.

“Clearly, it’s OK to convict Plug the Pipeline campaigners in the media, for an act which they didn’t commit, but it is not OK to raise in debate evidence of trespass by Government agencies.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I may have been ‘outgunned’ on this occasion but it will not stop me from continuing to support the Plug the Pipe campaign against the illegal and unjust proposal to pipe water from drought stricken northern Victoria to be flushed down the toilets of Melbournians.