Newcastle court dismisses charges against Rising Tide activists

A Newcastle Local Court judge has dismissed charges against four climate activists involved in the Rising Tide flotilla blockade at Newcastle Harbour. The activists, including Robert Goodsell, Christopher Maclurcan, and Megan Quinn, were charged under section 15A of the Marine Safety Act for failing to comply with the direction of an authorised officer.

The blockade occurred in November 2024, when more than 130 people entered the shipping channel via kayaks to protest fossil fuel exports at the world’s largest coal port. While many charges from the mass arrest were dropped by New South Wales police in August following failed test cases regarding anti-protest laws, these four individuals faced separate maritime safety charges.

Judge Scott Nash determined the defendants were not guilty, resulting in the dismissal of their matters. Josh Pallas, Legal Director for Climate Defenders Australia, stated that while the result vindicated their clients, the legal process had adversely impacted their lives for an extended period.