The permit trap
Ever tried to organize a rally only to be hit with a bill for millions? That’s exactly what’s happening in Australia. A new report from the Australian Democracy Network and Deakin University reveals that local councils are increasingly using bureaucratic red tape—like demanding $20 million in public liability insurance—to block peaceful protests in public parks.
Take Mariella Gussoni, for example. When she hit up Bathurst Regional Council to notify them of a protest against brumby culling, they told her she needed a $20 million insurance policy to set foot in the park. Lowkey terrified of being held liable for any damages, the 61-year-old ended up moving the rally to a nearby footpath just to avoid the drama. It’s giving gatekeeping, and it’s happening everywhere.
Not just an isolated incident
It’s not just Bathurst. The Bayside council recently told a group protesting a data center that they needed insurance, an event permit, and eight weeks of lead time because they planned to have food and sound equipment. The group, Stop the Cooks River AI Project (SCRAP), eventually decided to ignore the permit process entirely. They held the rally anyway and haven't heard a peep from the council since.
Why it matters
This is a massive L for civil liberties. According to Tim Roberts of the Council for Civil Liberties, these demands are a "blatant contravention of the right to protest." The researchers are calling for a system based on simple notification rather than a "permission-based" model that lets local governments silence dissent. When protesting becomes a rich-person’s sport, the vibes are definitely off for democracy.
