HIRSTY ON THE WIRELESS

On Tuesday at 7pm  on Ride :

• We chat to Troy Bayliss Events Coordinator Mark Petersen about the recent Brisbane Motorcycle Expo
• Matt Johnson fills us in on the Sydney Body Art and Tattoo Expo plus what is happening in Perth soon
• Greg Pendlebury talks about the Newman governments response to Brotherhood CMC's opposition to the Qld anti-rights laws
• Angry Anderson goes public about the LNP support for the Qld laws
• Plus the latest news from the Silverwater Street and Custom Motorcycle Show
• And we look at some motorcycle fun that is  happening around Australia

Ride is proudly sponsored by:

Fraser Motorcycles. Check out their stores in Sydney, Wollongong, Perth, Melbourne and Newcastle

Skillmaster Motorcycle Services . Check out their website for training options  www.skillmaster.com.au

Listen live on:    www.alive905.com.au
             

VIC LABOR TO REPEAL SOA

Victorian Labor has promised to repeal the Summary Offences Act clause that can make a protest a criminal offence.

Go to your MPs office and tell them what you think. I did.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

Damien
IRG

Dear Damien

Labor has committed to repeal these undemocratic laws, please see the appended media release from Daniel Andrews.

http://www.danielandrews.com.au/media/releases/labor-to-protect-victorian%E2%80%99s-right-to-peacefully-protest/

Regards

Danielle Green MP

Member for Yan Yean
Shadow Minister for Prevention of Family Violence
Shadow Minister for Health Promotion
Shadow Minister for Women

www.daniellegreen.org.au

Electorate Office:
Suite 3, 14 Yan Yean Rd,
Diamond Creek, 3089

PO Box 376, Diamond Creek, 3089
Ph:  9432 9782,  Fax:  9432 9793

On 28/03/2014, at 10:41 AM, "DAMIEN CODOGNOTTO OAM" <d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com> wrote:

THE ALP
VICTORIA

Dear Daniel, Luke and Danielle.

I have a letter from Liberal Georgie Crozier MLC dated March 26, 2014.

It  is  a  response  to  our  opposition  to the clause in the Summary Offences  Act  which  restricts  the  right  to peaceful protest  in Victoria and increases police powers in that regard.

In part it reads:

"At the Bill's third reading in the Legislative Council,   neither the
Labor opposition nor the Green's voted against these important reforms
...."
Our understanding was that the Greens and Labor would vote against the Bill if the offending clause was not removed  and that Labor promised to repeal that part of the law when in government.

Please  clarify  the  Greens  position  on  the  Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Act 2014.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders Group
Melbourne

GREAT OCEAN ROAD RIDE TOMORROW

Have a look at the link to today's Herald Sun listing. It's on the facebook social page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/IRG-Social-VIC/1484667588420820

VICROADS PAPER - COMMENTS?

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/D8A03685-3667-478F-9D11-B0ED2903F50F/0/VRStoAGRDPart6RoadsideDesignSafetyandBarriersJuly2011Rev20final.pdf

http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/D8A03685-3667-478F-9D11-BOED2903F50F/0/VRStoAGRDPart6RoadsideDesignSafetyandBarriersJuly2011Rev20final.pdf

I'm interested in any comments on this VicRoads document particularly regarding barriers and run-off areas.
I'm also after information on roadside plantings and signage.

You can email me direct at  d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com

Damien
IRG

CMC NSW ON QLD LAWS

G'day everyone,

Here is Pendo's segment from the Ten's Wake Up Programme website on Brotherhood CMC's opposition to the Qld anti-rights laws.

http://tenplay.com.au/channel-ten/wake-up/extra/season-2014/27-march-god-on-their-side
 
Kind regards,

Hirsty

SUMMARY OFFENCES BILL REPLY

VIC CRITICS OF QLD LAWS

Here is a recent article on Qld:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/great-leap-backward-for-queensland-interstate-lawyers-slam-jarrod-bleijies-reforms-20140325-35gdg.html

Adrienne

We do not want these types of laws in Victoria. Go see you MP and tell him or her just that.

Look up your nearest MP with the link below. Go see the staff and make an appointment. Let the staff know your feelings.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

Pendo from Brotherhood CMC will speak on the Ten Network's Wake-up Programme on Thursday morning just after 8am regarding the clubs opposition to the Qld anti-rights laws.

Hirsty

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brotherhood Christian Motorcycle Club considers the Criminal Law (Criminal Organisations Disruption) Amendment Act 2013 and the Vicious Lawless Association Disestablishment Act 2013 lay a dangerous foundation for abuse both now and in the future.  The club has spoken out against anti-association laws in NSW and other states in the past, but considers these Queensland laws to be the most menacing in Australia. Of grave concern is the interest other states have shown in these anti-rights laws. These type of laws change the nature of crime from ‘what you do’ to ‘who you talk to’, and the club sees them as being in conflict with Christian principles. Brotherhood CMC has explained its position in a brief paper (attached) and has emailed this to all members of the Queensland parliament asking them to repeal these laws. The club is also in the process of contacting churches in Queensland, asking them to investigate the laws and compare them with the Bible’s teaching on justice, to write to their local member and to even consider contributing funds to support the High Court challenge. The club supports the High Court challenge of these laws announced this week and hopes that the High Court will act to preserve Australian democratic principles and our way of life. Regards Greg Pendlebury Sydney 0418 411 046

RADIO HIRSTY

On Tuesday at 7pm  on Ride :

• We chat with UMCQ Barrister Wayne Baffsky about the High Court Challenge launched in Brisbane last week
• Tony O'Donnell from the Australian Confederation of Motor Clubs discusses the best barrier type for motorcycles and cars plus we find out the reaction from the NSW Roads Minister
• Johann from Oztrikes updates us on the recent Tasmanian Trike Fest
• Marc Marquez wins the season opener and a young Aussie does us proud in Moto 3
• Lobbying ramps up in Victoria in pursuit of lane filtering
• Plus we look at some motorcycle fun that is  happening around Australia

Ride is proudly sponsored by:
Fraser Motorcycles. Check out their stores in Sydney, Wollongong, Perth, Melbourne and Newcastle

Skillmaster Motorcycle Services . Check out their website for training options  www.skillmaster.com.au

Listen live on:    www.alive905.com.au
             

THE TASSIE FROG

Motorcyclist Bertrand Cadart stood for the Liberal Party in the recent Tasmania State election . . .

The two mayors running for Lyons, Bertrand Cadart and Martyn Evans both failed in their foray into state politics.

AND he's been on Hirsty's Ride radio show! 

Scooter rider Tasmanian Mayor Bertrand Cardart explains to Greg his reasons for standing in the state parliamentary elections and what he hopes to achieve for Tassie riders.

Ride 4th March with Bertrand Cardart . . . 

       http://alive905.com.au/listen/listen-again/ride-cpod/ 

East Coast mayor's French connection honoured

Posted Sun 9 Mar 2014, 9:44am AEDT

MAP: Orford 7190

A Tasmanian mayor has been presented with a prestigious French medal recognising citizens' achievements while living abroad.

Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Bertrand Cadart received his National Order of Merit medal from the French Ambassador in Hobart last night.

Mr Cadart believes it reflects his work in public broadcasting, local government and that he has never lost his patriotism.

Mr Cadart says he is proud to be one of only about 18 French citizens living overseas to have received the award.

"It's basically for over 40 years of irreproachable conduct," he said.

"I think this is a little bit overboard but I'm not the one who came up with the words. More importantly my fondness for French culture, French language."

Le Frog's Corner.

AMBOS MAY STRIKE

"I do not think we should be supporting the Ambos, I don't support there action nor do I believe that it should be at all related to our right to associate." Paul. IRG Member.

AMBOS MAY STRIKE

Kate, motorcycle paramedic at the 2013 TOY RUN in Melbourne. TOY RUN 2014 is on Sunday, December 24. Put it in your diary and on your club calendar.

Victoria's paramedics may take industrial action to a new level
over pay and conditions. For nearly two years the Napthine
Government has given our ambos nothing but words.

Last weekend Geelong was left with no ambulance cover for hours
on end according to ABC radio.

I know the value of our ambulance service. I think the Independent
Riders Group should support the Ambulance Employees Association
with a letter to MPs. This is an election year.

Any IRG members object to that. Please let us know.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders Group
Melbourne

www.facebook.com/independentridersgroup 

www.facebook.com/northernregisterirg 

GREAT OCEAN RIDE

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD AUTUMN 
RUN TO LORNE

IRG Vic

Start/End Date: March  29, 2014 (Saturday)
Start Time: Meet at 9.30am, depart at 10.00am
Starting Location: Independent Westgate Outbound
                           2 West Gate Freeway Port Melb.

Contact info:
Email: jonmay@iinet.net.au 

Jon May   0418 542 242  (Mobile)

The forecast says bad weather. If it looks dangerous we can all go for a coffee

Damien
IRG

Let’s  all ride by getting on our motorbikes or trikes and riding down
The Great Ocean Road to Lorne.

So  come  along  and  be  part  of  a great social ride which takes in
panoramic  views of where the hills meet the ocean. You will be riding
through little coastal resort towns dotted along the way.

Let’s  all meet at the Shell Westgate Outbound at 9.30am and saddle up
for a 10.00 am ride out.

Ride  down  the  Geelong Hwy, turning off to Geelong and riding to the
Texas  Café  (28 Mercer St.) for a chat, drinks and toilet break. Then
ride  off  to Lorne, via The Great Ocean Road, for lunch, refreshments
and  a  look around the town. As a suggestion, we could go to the Arab
Café or to the Pub for lunch, or select your own eatery.

On  the return ride we turn left as we leave Lorne and head up through
the  forest,  through  Deans  Marsh and onto Princes Highway, stop off
for  a  break  and  then return home via the Princes and Geelong Hwys.
Going home you may wish to stick to the program or make your own way.

The  route  will include open highway and you will encounter hilly and
very  windy roads. The Great Ocean Road is heavily policed, so take it
easy everyone and ride safely.

All  members are encouraged to turn up and have a great day. This ride
will  further reinforce our passion to ride for the IRG. So come along
and shoot the sea breeze!

If  you  are unable to commence the run at the starting point, you are
most  welcome  to  meet  up  with the riders on route or at one of the
stops.

Ride  route:  Independant Westgate Outbound, Geelong, Anglesea, Lorne,
Anglesea, Independant Westgate Inbound.

Run  duration:  About  4hrs.  30 mins. (Plus 2 ride breaks and a lunch
time stop)

Distance from start to end: Approx. 280 km (1 day ride).

Stolen from Rod.

Thanks Buddy

Jon

SATURDAY MORNING COFFEE 
IN MELBOURNE

IRG  members  and  their  friends  are invited to meet for a coffee on
Saturday mornings. If you can't make the Great Ocean Ride you might be
able to drop by the Melbourne coffee stop.

Time: 9.30 am to 11 am.

Place:  Muleta's  on  the  corner  of  Franklin  and  Queen Streets in
Melbourne.  It's between the Queen Vic Market and the famous Elizabeth
Street motorcycle precinct. See earlier blog.

Damien
IRG

IRG T-SHIRTS

https://www.facebook.com/independentridersgroup/app_251458316228

HELMET CAMERAS

There has been a good deal of media since yesterday (18/3/2014) on a bicyclist
who was  car "doored". A woman who was wearing a helmet camera got footage
of  an  arrogant bloke in a suit who flung open a cab door knocking her off her bike.
He refused to give his details after causing the crash.

Some  time  ago  a  motorcyclist, riding legally, was booked for wearing a helmet
camera because it supposedly made his hat unsafe and was against regulation.

Does  anyone  know  what  happened  to  that  case?  I'd love to be an observer
in court when that comes up.

Damien
IRG

Y didn't she ride behind the taxi and wait like we have to on our
motorcycles. Trying to squeeze past on the left was a bullshit move.
I am so mad that my blood feels like coagulation. A handful of
Senators pass this crazy legislation. Ahhh !

B

There  is  a  narrow bicycle lane there. This bicycle rider was travelling
legally  and,  it  seems  to  me,  not  too  fast.  Hard  to  predict an
incompetant,  negilgent  clown's behaviour especially if he was on his
way back from a business lunch.

Bicycle  lanes  and bicycles overtaking on the left are state laws that
encourage traffic filtering by bicyclists. The IRG is pro traffic filtering.

Senators are federal.

My  anger  is  at;

A)   the   fat  slob who could not be bothered to look before flinging
the door open. His type of driver kill and injure motorcycle & scooter
riders way too often. "Sorry mate. I did not see  you.".

B)  The  discrimination  against  motorcycle & scooter riders where  a
motorcyclist   is  fined  for  riding responsibly with a helmet camera
but a bicyclist with a flimsy foam hat seems to be praised for exactly
the same thing, seems obvious.

I  want  to know what happened to the motorcycle rider who was fined
for his helmet camera.

Did/will he take it to court. I want to be there.

Damien
IRG

ANTIPROTEST LAW IN VIC

Geez, China is looking more like a democracy day by day and we are heading the other direction. Sigh.....

A

 

http://www.news.com.au/national/march-in-march-could-be-victorias-last-protest-after-new-antiprotest-law-was-passed-last-week/story-fncynjr2-1226857216765

 

http://www.news.com.au/national/march-in-march-could-be-victorias-last-protest-after-new-antiprotest-law-was-passed-last-week/story-fncynjr2-1226857216765

If you want to be free to dress as you like, speak as you like and associate with who you like, go see you MP. Go to your local MP's office and tell his/her staff that you want Victoria's antiprotest law repealed. Tell his/her staff you want an appointment with your MP and tell him/her they won't get your vote in November unless he/she makes it clear he/she will support the repeal of the antiprotest law.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

Damien

IRG 

MUSIC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQBIRI5Ljxk

FILTERING LETTER

ROBERT CLARK MP
MEMBER FOR BOX HILL

Dear Sir.

I am writing to you as my member of parliament about a road safety matter.

In spite of the Parliamentary Inquiry recommendation that VicRoads conduct
a traffic filtering trial, VicRoads has delayed/avoided conducting such a trial.

Now the NSW Government has legitimised traffic filtering.

VicRoads ahs also unreasonably delayed permitting motorcycle & scooter riders
in Victoria to use bus lanes after the successful Hoddle Street trial.

There is a negative attitude/culture in VicRoads/TAC that is negative to road
safety. That negative culture has been well-documented in government reports over
many years.

I ask you as my MP to contact Roads Minister Terry Mulder and ask why VicRoads
cannot put aside its' dangerous attitude to motorcycle & scooter riders and
implement the recommendations of the all-party Road Safety Committee from 2012.



Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders' Group

Robert Clark replied. He has written to Roads Minister Mulder. I will post the Minister's reply when it comes.



Get in touch with your MP. This is an election year.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

Damien
IRG

PROTEST MARCH ON SUNDAY

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1464288907117813&set=gm.289212357893738&type=1

The March in March was huge. Regardless of your politics, it was a good thing motorcycling was represented. We talked to a lot of people and gave out a lot of information.

Melbourne really turned it on.  It was an extraordinary event reminiscent of the big demos in the 1970s and 1980s.

Pictures say it better than words in this case.

FILTERING TRIAL DELAY

CONTACT  YOUR  LOCAL  MP
www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

THE HON TERRY MULDER MP
MINISTER FOR ROADS

Dear Minister Mulder,

Traffic filtering has existed since there has been traffic.

Traffic filtering benefits ALL road users.

The Parliamentary Inquiry (2012) recommended a trial in Victoria.

The NSW Government is proceeding with a traffic filtering trial.

The  VACC  issued  a  media  release  on March 5, 2014 calling for the
traffic  filtering  trial  recommended by the Parliamentary Inquiry to
begin.

http://www.motorbikestoday.com/news/Articles/filtering_law.htm

A  study in Europe found that traffic filtering had major benefits for
cities.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/9272532/Why-commuting-by-motorcycle-is-good-for-everyone-.html

In  spite  of  the  safety  inquiry  recommendation  to  run a traffic
filtering   trial   VicRoads   continues   to  delay  it  and you seem
unable   to   do   anything   about   it.   The   "whole of government
response"   to   the  inquiry is not entirely credible since it was in
large part written by VicRoads.

The  Motorcycle  Advisory  Group  is  mostly for the traffic filtering
trial  but  it  is  dominated  by  VicRoads/TAC/Police. Parts of these
agencies still have an anti-motorcycle culture.

We  do  not  need new laws to make traffic filtering safe. We need the
overtaking on the left law changed. We need new stop line regulations.
That is all.

There  is  no evidence to suggest traffic filtering increases the risk
to motorcycle & scooter riders.

A national insurance claim survey found that in 40% of bike claims the
rider was hit from behind by a larger vehicle.

Experienced  riders  have  told  VicRoads  time and again that, in too
many  situations  sitting  in the middle of a traffic lane increases a
rider's risk of being involved in a casualty crash.

What  excuse  does  VicRoads  give  for delaying the traffic filtering
trial?

Sincerely,

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders Group
Melbourne

SUMMARY OFFENCES BILL

Thank you for contacting Matt Viney MP about Premier  Denis Napthine's proposed 'Move On' laws. With these laws, this Liberal-Nationals Government is trying to criminalise of all forms of protest in our State.

Labor believes every Victorian has a right to peacefully assemble and have their say. Nurses, teachers and paramedics fighting for a fair go don’t deserve to be arrested.

While Denis Napthine is busy turning workers and community leaders into criminals, our health system is in crisis, our schools are falling apart and our state is losing jobs every day.

Local Liberal and National Party MPs have voted to silence every Victorian who doesn’t agree with them. It’s not right.

That's why Victorian Labor opposes these laws, and if elected in November, we will repeal them.

From:        DAMIEN CODOGNOTTO OAM <d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com>
To:        brian.tee@parliament.vic.gov.au, candy.broad@parliament.vic.gov.au, <gayle.tierney@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <jaala.pulford@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <jenny.mikakos@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <kaye.darveniza@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <khalil.eideh@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <lee.tarlamis@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <martin.pakula@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <nazih.elasmar@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <shaun.leane@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <gavin.jennings@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <john.lenders@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <johan.scheffer@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <adem.somyurek@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <marsha.thomson@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <matt.viney@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <colleen.hartland@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <sue.pennicuik@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <greg.barber@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <andrea.coote@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <andrew.elsbury@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <bernie.finn@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <bruce.atkinson@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <david.davis@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <david.koch@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <edward.o'donohue@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <georgie.crozier@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <gordon.rich-phillips@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <inga.peulich@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <jan.kronberg@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <matthew.guy@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <philip.davis@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <richard.dalla-riva@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <simon.ramsay@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <wendy.lovell@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <damian.drum@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <david.o'brien@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <peter.hall@parliament.vic.gov.au>
Cc:        cindy.mcleish@parliament.com.au, danielle.green@parliament.vic.gov.au, <joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <luke.donnellan@parliament.vic.gov.au>
Date:        28/02/2014 12:16 PM
Subject:        SUMMARY OFFENCES BILL - MARCH 11 2014

---

Friday, February 28, 2014.
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF VICTORIA

The Summary Offences Amendment Bill will be before the Upper House again, for the final vote, on Tuesday, 11th of March, sometime after 3.30pm, and before 10pm.

The Independent Riders Group strongly opposes the anti-protest law. Labor has promised to repeal the law if it takes government in the November 2014 state election.

The IRG opposes this law because it can restrict freedom of expression, freedom of movement and because it can easily be misused against law-abiding Victorians.

In the "debate" in the Legislative Assembly Ken Smith MP made it frighteningly clear that he thought the changes to the Summary Offences bill would see people he clearly did not like "dragged off by police". Smith's rant demonstrated the darker side of this anti-protest law.

Labor, Green, Independent, and National Party members should vote against this change to our law.

The IRG is urging its' members and Victoria's 326,000 bike licence holders to contact their MPs and tell them we do not want this, or any VLAD type laws, in our state.

We urge the Nationals, or any Liberal Party members with a conscience, to vote NO to this change in the Summary Offences & Sentencing law.

Being an election year, LNP members in marginal seats should be very careful!!

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders' Group
Melbourne
www.facebook.com/IndependentRidersGroup
www.facebook.com/NorthernRegisterIRG

SATURDAY COFFEE

For the IRG Social Secretary
Jon May

Between the famous Elizabeth Street motorcycle & scooter precinct and the Queen Vic Market is Muleta's Cafe. It's on the corner of Queen & Franklin Streets.

Jon has taken on the task of organising some gatherings and rides for Independent Riders' Group members and their friends. Saturday mornings between 9.30 and noon will be time for a coffee and a chat. I'll be there Saturday March 8. I'll have some IRG T-shirts with me.

Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Muleta's. L to R: Seated John, Rod & Cate. StandingCam, Damien & Mick.

Damien

IRG

BARRY WROTE TO HIS MP

Member of Parliament

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request that you withdraw the Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill which will be debated in the Legislative Assembly in the week beginning 3 February. The bill amends the Summary Offences Act 1966 to expand the circumstances in which police and PSOs may direct a person to move on from a public place.

This bill fundamentally changes the rights of citizens to protest, demonstrate or picket a particular place, whether people are protesting about environmental, social or industrial issues, by subjecting them to extended move on and arrest powers.

The police already have sufficient powers and there is no justification for the expansion of these powers that will significantly impede the democratic right of people to protest.

Kind Regards
Barry 

Barry wrote to his MP. You should too. Your Upper House members are in the pink, Council list. Or you can go round to the electoral office and tell the staff if the MP is not in.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

IRG WEBSITE

independentridersgroup.com

www.facebook.com/IndependentRidersGroup

www.facebook.com/NorthernRegisterIRG

HEAVY DUTY

Don't leave it to someone else. Go to your nearest Upper House MP's
electoral office and tell them you do not want Queensland. type anti-association
laws in Victoria. The MP is not in tell their staff and make an appointment to see
The MP.

Upper House MPs' offices are in the COUNCIL (pink) list.

www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members

VIC GREENS OPPOSE SUMMARY OFFENCES BILL

Susan Pennicuik MP
The Greens - Victoria.

Thanks you for getting back to us on the summary offences bill. I will pass the information on.

I will be in the public gallery of the Legislative Council on March 11. This is one of several serious issues the motorcycle & scooter community has with the Napthine Government.

Over 326,000 Victorians are licenced to ride road bikes.

Damien Codognotto OAM
Spokesman
Independent Riders Group
Melbourne
www.damiencodognottooam.blogspot.com

Dear Mr. Codognotto, Thank you for raising your organisation's concerns about the Summary Offences and Sentencing Amendment Bill 2013 with me. I share these concerns with the bill and will be opposing this proposed legislation in parliament. Here are links to my media statements about the bill and a petition you may wish to sign, requesting that the bill be withdrawn. http://vicmps.greens.org.au/content/victorian-government-set-legislate-shut-down-community-right-protest Did you know that this is the second of two anti-democracy bills that are currently before state parliament. The other is the Sustainable Timber and Wildlife Bill. Here is some information about that bill - http://vicmps.greens.org.au/content/victorian-government-has-two-anti-democracy-laws-state-parliament Yours sincerely, Sue Pennicuik State Member for Southern Metropolitan Region Greens Parliamentary Whip 206 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186 t: (03) 9530 8399 | f: (03) 9530 8499 | e: sue.pennicuik@parliament.vic.gov.au Follow Sue: Website | Facebook | Twitter From:        DAMIEN CODOGNOTTO OAM <d.codognotto.oam@bigpond.com> To:        brian.tee@parliament.vic.gov.au, candy.broad@parliament.vic.gov.au, <gayle.tierney@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <jaala.pulford@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <jenny.mikakos@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <kaye.darveniza@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <khalil.eideh@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <lee.tarlamis@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <martin.pakula@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <nazih.elasmar@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <shaun.leane@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <gavin.jennings@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <john.lenders@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <johan.scheffer@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <adem.somyurek@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <marsha.thomson@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <matt.viney@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <colleen.hartland@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <sue.pennicuik@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <greg.barber@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <andrea.coote@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <andrew.elsbury@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <bernie.finn@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <bruce.atkinson@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <david.davis@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <david.koch@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <edward.o'donohue@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <georgie.crozier@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <gordon.rich-phillips@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <inga.peulich@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <jan.kronberg@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <matthew.guy@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <philip.davis@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <richard.dalla-riva@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <simon.ramsay@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <wendy.lovell@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <damian.drum@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <david.o'brien@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <peter.hall@parliament.vic.gov.au> Cc:        cindy.mcleish@parliament.com.au, danielle.green@parliament.vic.gov.au, <joanne.duncan@parliament.vic.gov.au>, <luke.donnellan@parliament.vic.gov.au> Date:        28/02/2014 12:16 PM Subject:        SUMMARY OFFENCES BILL - MARCH 11 2014 Friday, February 28, 2014. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF VICTORIA The Summary Offences Amendment Bill will be before the Upper House again, for the final vote, on Tuesday, 11th of March, sometime after 3.30pm, and before 10pm. The Independent Riders Group strongly opposes the anti-protest law. Labor has promised to repeal the law if it takes government in the November 2014 state election. The IRG opposes this law because it can restrict freedom of expression, freedom of movement and because it can easily be misused against law-abiding Victorians. In the "debate" in the Legislative Assembly Ken Smith MP made it frighteningly clear that he thought the changes to the Summary Offences bill would see people he clearly did not like "dragged off by police". Smith's rant demonstrated the darker side of this anti-protest law. Labor, Green, Independent, and National Party members should vote against this change to our law. The IRG is urging its' members and Victoria's 326,000 bike licence holders to contact their MPs and tell them we do not want this, or any VLAD type laws, in our state. We urge the Nationals, or any Liberal Party members with a conscience, to vote NO to this change in the Summary Offences & Sentencing law. Being an election year, LNP members in marginal seats should be very careful!! Damien Codognotto OAM Spokesman Independent Riders' Group Melbourne www.facebook.com/IndependentRidersGroup www.facebook.com/NorthernRegisterIRG