Business rights deserve protection of expanded 'move-on' orders

THE State Government’s proposal to expand police powers to 'move-on' people engaging in illegal picket line and protest activities will help protect fundamental rights of Victorian businesses, says Victoria’s peak employer body.

“The right to freely enter one’s premises is a fundamental right. People should be able to go about their business and earn a living without others preventing them from doing so or making them fear for their safety,” says VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone.

“It is also fundamental that their clients, customers and suppliers are able to freely enter and exit business premises and that private property is protected.

“VECCI supports the introduction of these new laws and calls for them to be passed by the Victorian parliament as soon as possible.”

The Bill before Parliament would grant Victoria Police the power to issue move-on orders where a person is:

- impeding lawful access to a business premises; or

- obstructing others or traffic; or

- causing a reasonable fear of violence.

“A number of Victorian businesses have been subjected to illegal picket line activities and protests in recent years including the CBD blockade of Grocon’s Myer Emporium project. More recently, traffic has been affected by the East-West link protesters. It is vital that the rights of businesses are protected and that major projects are able to proceed,” says Mr Stone.

“Victorians need to support each in these challenging economic times and we need the economic activity that major projects stimulate.

“There is no place for those who do not respect the rights of others to engage in lawful work and business activity.”

The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

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