Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has canceled the visas of two German climate change activists after three days of protests that disrupted the country’s busiest port.
At the same time, New South Wales (NSW) police have launched a strike force to deal with further unauthorized protests that have so far caused millions of dollars in loss of economic value.
The blockade of Australia, the “direct action” group behind the protests, began with the blockade of the 7-meter-high Simbrist Road and began targeting Port Botany on March 22.
The next day, a 21-year-old man named Arno leaned to the side of the Sirius Road Bridge, which connects to the harbor with a bipod structure, while livestreaming.
“Australia is built to be abused and it won’t change unless it gets in the way,” he said.
According to the report, two more individuals blocked Penlin Road with two trucks, causing a “serious economic bottleneck.” Group website.. He was hanging from a 9-meter-high pole while another man was blocking the path of friendship.
On March 24, a 33-year-old man named Tom leaned out of the railroad track pole of a train blocking trains to and from Port Botany.
Minister Hawk has canceled Tom and Arno’s visas for “orderly reasons” under Article 133C (3) of the Immigration Act. This is the same authority used to cancel the visa of tennis star Novak Djokovic.
“In making this decision, I carefully considered the information provided by the Ministry of Interior and the Australian Border Force,” he said in a statement obtained by Sky News Australia.
“Families driving or working at school or at work do not deserve to be confused by stunts that draw the attention of illegal protesters.
“Australian people expect guests in our country to comply with our law. Under the Morrison Government, non-citizens who violate our law are considered subject to visa cancellation. “I will.”
New South Wales Acting Prime Minister and Police Minister Paul Tour announced on March 24 that a new strike force will be tasked with investigating, preventing and obstructing future actions.
“I am clear from the beginning. We do not support this kind of explicit disregard for the law and the impact on the lives of all workers and business owners affected by these stupid acts.” Said the tool in a statement.
“Strike Force Guard ensures that police are always one step ahead of protesters and will crack down on this economic vandalism.”
NSW police arrested and prosecuted five men and two women.
Strikeforce will also carry out visible patrols around Sydney’s critical infrastructure and work with New South Wales ports and port authorities to prevent further disruption.
Peter Cotter, deputy director of the central metropolitan area, said police would deploy “the full power of the law” to target individuals involved in criminal activity.
“The biggest concern is the reckless activity of hanging on water or railroad tracks,” he said. “These people put themselves in danger, and those who are tasked with saving them, which is unacceptable.”
“In addition, police take action against those engaged in activities that affect or interfere with the ability of the community to live their lives.”
Strikeforce includes detectives in the Central Metropolitan Area, analysts at State Intelligence Command, operational support groups and riot force operatives.
In preparation for the massive turmoil in Sydney this June, Blockade Australia said, “A significant impact on the flow of Australia’s busiest metropolis means that powers will begin to take us seriously. I will do it. “
The tactics of this movement are the same as those of Saul Alinsky, a quasi-communist in the United States, using long-term protests and intimidation to exhaust governments and organizations.
follow
Daniel Y. Teng is based in Sydney. He focuses on national politics, including federal politics, COVID-19 response, and relations between Australia and China. Do you have a hint? Contact him at [email protected]