Queensland has seen its first arrests under newly enacted laws banning the phrases “from the river to the sea” and “globalise the intifada,” sparking immediate backlash and comparisons to the authoritarian tactics of former Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. The laws, which came into effect Wednesday after passing a vote in parliament last week, criminalize the utilize of these slogans if they are deemed to “menace, harass or offend,” carrying potential penalties of up to two years in prison. The swift implementation and initial enforcement have ignited a debate over freedom of speech and the limits of protest in the state.
The arrests, a 33-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman taken into custody Wednesday for uttering the phrase “from the river to the sea,” have drawn condemnation from civil liberties groups and opposition politicians. Greens MP Michael Berkman characterized the police action as exhibiting “all the hallmarks of an authoritarian police state,” accusing authorities of acting as a “thought police” on behalf of the Liberal National Party (LNP) state government. The controversy centers on the interpretation of the banned phrases and whether their use constitutes genuine incitement to violence or protected political expression.
The Progressive Jewish Council of Australia acknowledged that the term “intifada” has been “associated with violent actions in some historical contexts,” but emphasized This represents only one interpretation. The council also stated that the phrase “from the river to the sea” is “also often erroneously invoked as hateful.” Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie defended the legislation, stating simply, “the law’s the law,” and asserting that those who violate it will be held accountable. He declined to comment further on the specifics of the ongoing cases, citing the matter being before the court.
Echoes of the Bjelke-Petersen Era
Critics have drawn parallels between the current situation and the actions taken by Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen in the 1970s, particularly his 1977 ban on all protest marches and the declaration of a state of emergency during a tour by an all-white South African rugby team. Labor shadow minister Shannon Fentiman expressed concern that the government is attempting to dictate what Queenslanders can and cannot say, describing the arrests as “shocking” and reminiscent of Bjelke-Petersen’s era. “It really is very reminiscent of Joh Bjelke-Petersen’s days,” she said.
Students For Palestine Queensland convener Ella Gutteridge argued that the laws are intended to “intimidate and silence peace activists.” While organizers haven’t confirmed plans for future rallies challenging the legislation, another convener, Connor Knight, stated that “tens of thousands of people around Australia” are outraged by the new restrictions. The National Union of Students also condemned the laws, with president Felix Hughes asserting that arresting someone “for the words on their shirt should alarm everyone who cares about freedom of speech in Australia.”
Police Response and a Minister’s Correction
Queensland Police stated that their presence at protests is standard procedure to manage road closures and ensure public safety. A spokesperson added that, as the matter is now before the court, they would not be providing further comment.
The controversy extends beyond the arrests themselves. State Health Minister Tim Nicholls was forced to correct a claim he made at a press conference regarding the Bondi terror attack gunman, Naveed Akram. Nicholls had stated that Akram used the banned phrases prior to the attack, but a spokesperson later clarified that the minister “misspoke” when asked to provide evidence. This incident further fueled criticism of the government’s handling of the new laws and the potential for misinformation.
The 33-year-old man arrested is scheduled to appear in court next month, while the 18-year-old woman received an adult caution. The arrests mark the first enforcement of the legislation, and the cases are expected to set a precedent for how the laws will be applied in the future.
As Queensland navigates this new legal landscape, the debate over the balance between public safety, freedom of expression, and the right to protest is likely to intensify. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these laws and their effect on political discourse within the state. The cases before the court will be closely watched by legal experts and civil liberties advocates alike.
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