Senate denounces WA's anti-protest laws

The Senate has backed a motion calling on the West Australian government to abandon its controversial anti-protest laws, which have been criticised by the UN.

The Criminal Code Amendment (Prevention of Lawful Activity Bill) would allow for the arrest of protesters who lock themselves to objects such as trees or machinery in a bid to obstruct lawful activity.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert, who forwarded the motion, said the bill attacked free speech and a healthy democratic society.

The bill passed through WA's upper house without amendment last week and is set to get the nod in the lower house as the government has the numbers.