A climate activist who held up the Port Botany goods line for three hours has been sentenced to a year in community prison.
Key Points:
- Emma Dorge closed the Port Botany goods line for three hours in March
- New sanctions were introduced to deter climate protesters who were disrupting major economic activity
- Dorge received a one-year conditional release order and was fined $110
Activist Emma Dorge, 26, suspended herself from a pole next to a freight bridge in Port Botany, blocking access to inbound and outbound trains while holding a sign, at the end of March of this year
Dorge, who has been a vocal member of Blockade Australia, said the sentence handed down at Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court on Thursday “wasn’t too bad”.
“I think the way the courts and magistrates politicize issues and punish people who are trying to make a serious change in a society that is heading towards collapse is very unfortunate, but I was given a CRO ( conditional release order) and a small fine, so it’s not too bad,” Dorge said.
Magistrate Miranda Moody said Dorge would not be jailed, even though the protest was a “public nuisance”.
“Many of these people have their hearts in the right places and I’m sure Miss Dorge does too. However, there comes a time when the courts must act to protect members of the public and the rescue services.” Magistrate Moody said.
“You’re not smart. You’re a fool for doing that.”
Dorge’s attorney, Mark Davis, said the sentence was fair.
“He received a very severe slap on the knuckles and very harsh words from the magistrate, but the sentence was reasonable.
“He’s basically on good behavior and got some fines, but we went in very uneasy given some recent decisions in this court about prison time, so I think it’s a good judgement,” he said.
Dorge received a conditional release order and a fine for his participation in the protest. (Provided: Facebook)
Deanna Maree Coco, also known as Violet Coco, was sentenced to a minimum of eight months in prison earlier this month for her role in blocking part of the Sydney Harbor Bridge in a protest against Australia’s blockade.
The state government introduced tough new penalties for activities that “shut down significant economic activity” and were supported by NSW Labour.
At the time, NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the state government was “on the side of action on climate change” but could not stand “a handful of anarchist protesters who would want to stop this city”.
Magistrate Moody said Dorge has more than nine offenses for protesting in Queensland between 2018 and 2020, but the most recent arrest is the first conviction in New South Wales.
Dorge spent 36 hours in jail after the protest, and Magistrate Moody said the activist could face tougher sentences if more riots are carried out.
“He’s got passion in his veins for the cause, I accept that. He’ll protest again, but if he protests like this again he’ll get more jail time than 36 hours.”
Dorge received a one-year conditional discharge order for obstructing the railway line and was fined $110 for refusing to comply with police instructions and $220 for remaining on closed land without lawful excuse.