Petition: Protect the Right to Protest
State and Territory Governments
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Everyone deserves respect and the chance to make their voice heard on the issues close to their heart.
First Nations people and our allies have been speaking up for truth and justice by marching on January 26, the anniversary of invasion, for almost 90 years. We are still here and still fighting - for freedom, land rights, an end to racism, and thriving futures for our young people.
Our communities have a rich history of powerful protest, including the Aboriginal Tent Embassy: the longest-running land rights protest in the world.
In the lead-up to Invasion Day 2026, we are seeing the right to protest come under attack in various ways across the continent: including unprecedented police search powers in Victoria and temporary protest bans in NSW.1,2
This is part of a dangerous crackdown against peaceful protests led by marginalised communities more broadly: from rallies against deaths in custody, marches for an end to the genocide in Gaza, movements for climate action and more.
Sign the petition to demand all state and Territory governments uphold our rights to protest peacefully and make our voices heard.
Sponsored by
To:
State and Territory Governments
From:
[Your Name]
The right to protest is a critical part of our democracy: making sure everyday people can make our voices heard on the issues that matter and hold governments to account.
We call on all state and Territory governments to:
1. Protect the right to protest, gather and march peacefully in the cities we can home for the issues we care about
2. Ensure First Nations people and our allies can mobilise for truth and justice on Invasion Day, without fear of interrogation, arrest or aggression from police
3. Stop the overpolicing of our communities - including a removal of police powers to stop and search people without a warrant in Victorian designated areas
1. Court challenge to Victoria Police warrantless pat-down powers to proceed, NIT, 13 January 2026
2. Invasion Day rallies exempt as NSW protest ban extended, NIT, 20 January 2026