The Place Names Bill introduced into State Parliament on Tuesday, which makes it an offence to misrepresent the name of a place, is an unnecessary and appalling piece of legislation, says the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA).
“Criminalising the use of unapproved place names is unjustifiable in principle,” said ALA State President and barrister, Mr Fabiano Cangelosi.
“Using an unapproved name for a location is not wrong in itself, it causes no regulatory burden, and it is not a social problem. It is an attempt to force people to use government-approved “correct language” and to limit political discourse.
“This is another alarming example of this government’s authoritarianism and over-reach.”
The ALA is a national association of lawyers, academics and other professionals dedicated to protecting and promoting justice, freedom and the rights of the individual.
