Council Demands $20 Million Insurance for Park Rally, Sparking Protest-Rights Concerns

Bathurst Regional Council told protest organiser Mariella Gussoni that a $20 million public liability insurance policy was a condition for holding a rally in a municipal park against the culling of brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park. Uncertain of the crowd size, Gussoni opted to hold the demonstration on a footpath, notifying police, and the event attracted roughly 120 attendees without incident. The council declined further comment.

A report co-authored by the Australian Democracy Network and Deakin University’s Centre for Law as Protection highlights that such insurance requirements are increasingly used by regional and urban councils, potentially deterring grassroots activism. It notes that NSW law imposes a $2,200 fine for unpermitted gatherings on council land, but many councils add extra policies. Advocates like Anastasia Radievska and Tim Roberts argue the measures infringe the implied constitutional right to political communication and should be reduced to simple notice. Similar insurance demands were reported in Sydney’s Bayside council for a rally opposing a data centre project.