demonstrations

Question 1

define demonstration

Answer 1

a gathering of people to protest or express their common concern or dissatisfaction with an existing law as a means of influencing law reform

Question 2

Introduction to demonstrations

Answer 2

• Demonstrations (or protests/rallies) involve groups gathering to express shared concerns or dissatisfaction with laws or issues.
• They can effectively influence law reform by notifying the government of the need for change.
• Demonstrations raise community awareness, generating additional support for legislative change.
• Demonstrations can take various forms but all aim to highlight issues to the community and lawmakers to promote legal changes.
• An example is the increasing number of demonstrations on January 26, recognised as Australia Day.

Question 3

‘Change the date’ movement - case example

Answer 3

• On January 26 each year, demonstrations occur across Australia to protest Australia Day celebrations, marking the anniversary of British arrival and colonization.
• Many First Nations people find celebrating Australia Day inappropriate and offensive, as it commemorates their loss of independence and sovereignty over their land, culture, and families.
• The date is often referred to as ‘Invasion Day’ or ‘Survival Day’ to highlight the suffering caused by colonization.
• Demonstrations aim to raise community awareness of the impact of colonization on First Nations peoples and advocate for law reform addressing their human rights issues.
• First Nations peoples have varied perspectives on Australia Day, including:
  
  • Changing the date to a more appropriate and inclusive one.
  • Abolishing the concept of Australia Day entirely.
  • Renaming and reframing Australia Day to recognize the contributions of First Nations peoples and the historical significance of January 26, 1788.

Question 4

Examples of demonstrations

Answer 4

• In recent years, many people have participated in demonstrations to advocate for changes in the law.
• Global movements and strikes have gained traction, facilitated by social media platforms that enable immediate communication.
• One notable movement is ‘School Strike 4 Climate,’ where students worldwide skip classes on specific days to rally for action on climate change.
• The movement was inspired by Greta Thunberg, a young climate activist.
• One of the largest climate strikes occurred on September 20, 2019, with an estimated 4 million participants globally, including around 100,000 in Melbourne.
• While many demonstrations are peaceful, some have caused public inconvenience and sparked controversy.
• Various demonstrations have adopted unique methods to draw attention to their causes.

Question 5

define social media

Answer 5

a range of digital tools, applications and websites used to share information in real time between large groups of people (e.g. Facebook, YouTube,
WhatsApp and Instagram)

Question 6

examples of groups that have organised demonstrations

Answer 6

• Extinction Rebellion (XR)
• animal rights activists,
  including concerned individuals
  and groups (such as Vegan
  Rising and Justice for Captives)

Question 7

Extinction Rebellion (XR) Australia is part of a global
movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience
to ‘disrupt business as usual’ to raise community awareness and demand governments act on climate change. Each year XR activists take part in a range of demonstrations or ‘disruptive civil disobedience rebellions’.

Answer 7

• In October 2022, one month before the Victorian state election, XR Victoria launched a two-week series of demonstrations called the ‘Spring Rebellion.’
• The demonstrations aimed to demand the end of fossil fuel projects (gas, coal, and oil) and logging in Victoria.
• Activities included:
  
  • A demonstration at the National Gallery of Victoria, where two activists glued their hands to a Picasso painting, gaining national and global media attention, though the painting was unharmed.
  • A march in the Melbourne CBD during peak hour, with hundreds of XR activists and others advocating for climate justice.
  • Participation in the Melbourne Fringe Festival, featuring a float with a ‘burnt koala’ puppet to symbolize the impact on wildlife from the 2019–20 bushfires.

Question 8

Each year animal rights activists, including concerned individuals and groups (such as Vegan
Rising and Justice for Captives) undertake a number of protests and demonstrations throughout
Australia to draw attention to animal cruelty.

Answer 8

• In 2022, animal activists protested outside the Victorian Parliament against the Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Act 2021 (Vic).
• The Act prohibits animal activists from entering Victorian farms and businesses related to animal product production without the owners’ permission.
• The Act imposes fines for those who violate these provisions, aiming to protect property rights while addressing concerns about animal welfare.
• During the demonstration:
  
  • Some activists taped their mouths shut and held dead animals to raise awareness of alleged animal abuse in animal product production.
  • Another protest occurred in a Melbourne supermarket’s meat section, where activists aimed to generate community awareness and pressure parliaments to strengthen animal welfare laws.
  • Activists displayed images and played audio of mistreated pigs, advocating for a total ban on sow stalls (small enclosures for pregnant pigs) during the busy Sunday trading period.

Question 9

Are demonstrations effective?

Answer 9

• The effectiveness of demonstrations in influencing law reform largely hinges on their ability to attract media and public attention.
• Successful demonstrations can alert and educate the community about social, economic, political, and legal injustices, highlighting the need for law changes.
• Greater community support for law reform increases the likelihood that members of parliament will respond to these calls, as they rely on electoral support.
• However, certain factors can hinder the effectiveness of demonstrations:
  
  • Violent or disruptive demonstrations may receive negative attention.
  • Low attendance can diminish impact and perceived urgency.
  • Disorganized demonstrations lacking a central message or clear call to action are often less effective in achieving their goals.

Question 10

Explanation points

Answer 10

• Demonstrations are public rallies or protests where groups gather to express concerns or dissatisfaction with existing laws.
• They can effectively generate awareness of the need for law changes, especially when large, peaceful demonstrations show significant public support.
• High attendance at demonstrations often attracts media attention, which can increase public backing for the desired law reform.
• Members of parliament may support demonstrations that align with their causes, enhancing their public profile.
• Demonstrations help educate the community about social, economic, political, and legal injustices, potentially leading to gradual change over time.

Question 11

Discussion points

Answer 11

• The number of attendees at a demonstration can significantly impact its effectiveness in influencing law reform.
• Small demonstrations may fail to generate interest, awareness, or media coverage, unless they are original, creative, or controversial.
• The nature of the demonstration plays a critical role; for instance:
  
  • Demonstrations causing public inconvenience, violence, or legal breaches may receive negative media attention and lack community support.
  • Non-violent, disruptive protests (e.g., human blockades) can still gain media attention and provoke community discussion on injustices.
  • Single-event demonstrations may struggle to sustain ongoing support for law reform.
• Some demonstrations may address issues beyond the control of local parliament (e.g., international human rights issues), yet still generate global awareness.
• Disorganised protests or those lacking a clear message are typically less effective than well-organised demonstrations with cohesive goals, especially if they align with global movements.