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South Australia's parliament has passed laws increasing the fine and adding jail time for obstructing a public place in response to Extinction Rebellion protests in Adelaide. But legal experts have raised questions about the wording of the law and its potential consequences.
The South Australian government has passed legislation to lift protest fines after a marathon debate 14-hour debate.
Upper house MPs spent all night debating the laws, which will significantly increase potential penalties for people who engage in disruptive protests.
The Malinauskas Government's bill to lift fines for obstructing a public place from $750 to $50,000 or three months jail in the wake of a traffic-stopping protest has passed the Upper House and will become law after a marathon 14 hour overnight debate.
UPDATED: The Malinauskas Government has defended itself against fierce union and crossbench criticism after its law introducing hugely increased penalties for obstructive protest passed the Upper House, calling it a "victory for common sense" as a national human rights group flags a possible High Court challenge.