My very first letter to a newspaper was in 1975, when advocating for the abandonment of street marches in Queensland, as paid unionists inconvenienced drivers in the name of their free speech but at the cost of freedom of passage on our roadways. The same issues still arise today as we search for balance between the rights to protest versus the inconvenience imposed on others (“Want to protest? You can pay for it” DT, 4/1I). There is no doubt that activist organisations employ agitators around the world to protest. While free speech and the right to publicly demonstrate is sacrosanct, surely hiring citizens to advocate for alien viewpoints that challenge the popular conventions is contrary to our welfare and should be illegal. Having individuals protest and gain maximum publicity by doing damage, while subsidising court costs, is a challenge to our democracy. Intentional incitement to professionally protest should be deemed criminal and prosecuted accordingly. Participants have surrendered their ethical right to free speech when accepting their 30 pieces of silver and commencing their mindless chants. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 5 Nov 2025
Up the creek
It’s no surprise to see a number of regular contributors to The Tele “Letters” page come out in support the masthead’s editorial (“Stop the Rising Tide whiny boats”, DT, 5/11) The proposed kayak blockade scheduled for Newcastle Port by serial climate protest group Rising Tide, is not just an indictment on the protesters, but also those who sanction the event taking place. It is disturbing that Newcastle Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge, a born and bred Novocastrian, would allow Newcastle Council to authorise this group to interrupt normal daily activity at the port. It has been reported the local economy has suffered a $1m loss of revenue because cruise liners are avoiding the port over “security concerns”. Almost 1000 passengers will be denied the chance to savour the attractions the Hunter Valley is renowned for offering. Newcastle Council’s impotent stance is concerning, as is the lack of practical action taken by local Swansea member and Police Minister, Yasmin Catley. Despite a passing comment on the protest group’s “hypocrisy”, Catley has to be held complicit in the event being held, along with state and federal ministers who represent the area, including high-profile Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, who has been conspicuously silent. As contributor Alan Sexton suggests “intentional incitement to professionally protest should be deemed criminal and prosecuted accordingly”. Except it’s not. Graeme West, Marks Point 6Nov2025