Criminal Code Amendment (Inciting Illegal Disruptive Activities) 2023

# Criminal Code Amendment (Inciting Illegal Disruptive Activities) Bill 2023 ## What it does This bill creates a new criminal offence for using the internet or other communication services to deliberately encourage people to trespass or cause damage in major business areas (like city CBDs). It targets people who post online content designed to incite illegal protest activity in these zones, rather than the protesters themselves. ## Why it matters If passed, it would mean protest organisers and social media activists could face criminal charges for online posts encouraging disruption in city centres—even if the actual trespass or damage doesn't happen. This significantly expands what counts as a prosecutable offence in protest contexts. ## Key details - **Penalty**: Up to 12 months imprisonment for inciting trespass via online platforms - **Geographic scope**: Only applies to "major business areas"—defined as city CBDs or precincts with significant business/cultural activity - **Starts immediately**: Takes effect the day after receiving Royal Assent (no delayed implementation) - **Exception noted**: The bill mentions (but doesn't fully define in this excerpt) that news reports and current affairs material are exempt—though the exact boundaries of this exemption aren't clear yet