According to a post on Sydney Indymedia, an attempt at starting a new anarchist-run squat has been thwarted by NSW riot police.
Ideally the building could have been transformed into an open social centre, and we could have publicly announced our presence immediately with banners hanging down from the roof, celebrated with an opening party, created a public free shop, communal kitchen and free school. Unfortunately, due to Australia’s draconian trespass laws, and the lack of militant resistance, squatters have no legal rights. Any squat that publicly announces itself or is discovered by security or police, must generally prepare for an immediate eviction. Police have the right to evict, arrest and charge anyone squatting an abandoned building without even consulting with the owner.
Source: Sydney Indymedia via disaccords
Comments
“Police have the right to evict, arrest and charge anyone squatting an abandoned building without even consulting with the owner.”
Er, no they don’t. Just deny that Trespass applies and insist on a court order without any further comment, and without opening the door!