The Journey of a Young Activist
Justice Stalman, who is only 24 years old, has been deeply involved in activism for nearly a decade. Her first experience with activism was around the time she was 16, focusing on the Adani coal mine in Queensland. She recalls feeling scared and disappointed upon realizing that those in power, including adults, often fail to act in the best interests of young people.
Although her birth certificate lists “Justice” as her name, she has spent much of her life seeking justice beyond her own name. In the early days of her activism, she was part of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, where the focus was on engaging with governments through campaigns. However, she noticed that these efforts didn’t lead to significant change.
In 2023, Justice joined the Rising Tide group in New South Wales to block coal ships from entering Newcastle port. Alongside over 100 other protesters, she was arrested, which was part of the strategy. She explains that traditional, legal forms of protest often go unnoticed, but more disruptive actions demand attention and can’t be ignored.
Despite being arrested, Justice wasn’t fined or convicted. This incident highlights the growing visibility of protests in recent years. For instance, when over 90,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it made headlines globally. Data shows that the number of global protests tripled between 2006 and 2020, and this trend has continued into the 2020s.
David Mejia-Canales, a senior lawyer at the Human Rights Centre, notes that the perceived increase in protests is due to greater visibility. With smartphones and the internet, protests are now more accessible and widely discussed, even in everyday conversations.
However, increased visibility has also led to heightened scrutiny. Over the past two decades, many countries have introduced anti-protest laws, making activities like blocking roads illegal and imposing heavy penalties. In New South Wales, for example, blocking a road without police permission could result in a two-year jail sentence or a fine exceeding $20,000.
Recent changes in several Australian states, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, have increased penalties for disruptive protests. In South Australia, the Summary Offences Act was amended in 2023, allowing fines up to $50,000 or three months in jail for obstructing a public place. These changes were passed quickly, raising concerns about vague legal definitions.
Mejia-Canales argues that unclear laws make it difficult for people to know if they are breaking the law, leading to potential arrests. He emphasizes the importance of specific legal definitions to prevent misunderstandings.
The South Australian government stated that the law was changed to ensure the safe operation of the city, particularly maintaining access to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. They support peaceful protests but acknowledge the impact of stricter laws on activists.
Australia has the highest arrest rate in the world for climate and environment protests. Young activists at the Grassroots Ecosystem in South Australia are aware of this issue. Cormac Baker, 21, mentions that many people are scared to protest due to fears about their future and job prospects. Lucinda Trenorden, 20, notes that peers often express concern about the environment but hesitate to protest due to the risks involved.
For Tilly, 17, the introduction of anti-protest laws has only intensified her resolve. She takes increasingly risky actions to send a message against such laws. Mejia-Canales says this sentiment is shared by many across the country, with some even taking bold actions like blocking major landmarks.
Despite the challenges, Justice remains committed to her cause. She feels that the cost of inaction is higher than any fine, and she believes that people should not be intimidated into silence. Her belief in the power of protest is rooted in historical movements that have led to significant changes, such as women’s voting rights and workers’ rights.
The Impact of Protests and Political Despair
Measuring the impact of protests can be complex. A study of global protests between 2006 and 2020 found that 42% resulted in some form of achievement, either direct or indirect. However, broader issues like climate change remain challenging to address.
Lucy Bird, a post-doctoral researcher at Flinders University, explores the concept of political despair among young people. She notes that many feel hopeless about the lack of progress on issues like climate change and racial inequality. Despite this, she observes that activists continue to take action, driven by a mix of anger and hope.
Justice acknowledges that her voice sometimes feels unheard, but she remains determined to protest. She believes in the power of protest, citing historical examples where it has led to significant changes. Her goal is to ensure that future generations have rights she hasn’t yet achieved.