Benny Zable, an 80-year-old activist from Melbourne, has worn his iconic “Greedozer” costume to protests for the past 45 years. His costume, which includes a distinctive gas mask adorned with a peace sign, is not just a form of expression; it has become a symbol of his commitment to environmental and anti-war causes. Recently, however, Zable faced the possibility of having his method of protest criminalised. This concern arose when the Victorian government announced plans to ban masks at protests. Fortunately for Zable and other activists, the government has since retracted this proposal.
Zable’s Greedozer persona has gained significant recognition over the decades. His retired gas masks are now displayed in prominent locations such as the National Museum of Australia in Canberra and the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. While the Victorian government has revised its stance, the proposed legislation would still allow police to instruct individuals to remove masks if they reasonably suspect a crime is imminent. Exemptions would be made for medical, cultural, and religious reasons.
As Zable prepared to challenge the constitutionality of the mask ban with the support of the Human Rights Law Centre, he expressed that the character of Greedozer helps him convey important messages about fossil fuels, war, and colonisation to a broader audience. He originally created the costume in 1980 while protesting against sand mining on the New South Wales north coast. “It’s consciousness raising,” Zable explained, underscoring the artistic and political dimensions of his activism.
Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged that a complete ban on masks would likely face legal challenges after extensive discussions within the cabinet. The revised proposal would enable police to scrutinise individuals in specific situations, but the practicality of enforcing this measure remains contentious. Zable has noted that many activists wear masks not to hide their identities but to make a statement.
The Police Association of Victoria, however, has raised concerns about the revised legislation’s effectiveness. Secretary Wayne Gatt remarked that asking individuals in masks to justify their appearance could be an overwhelming task for officers. The police have recently been seeking 15 individuals involved in a protest on October 19, where some participants allegedly threw rocks and other projectiles at officers, many of whom were masked.
Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush asserted that masks are often worn to conceal identities during criminal activities, further complicating the discourse surrounding mask-wearing at protests. Meanwhile, opposition leader Brad Battin, a former police officer, has called for a complete ban, arguing that waiting for violence to escalate before addressing the issue is ineffective.
The government’s decision to retract the mask ban disappointed several Jewish community organisations, particularly following the firebombing incident at the Adass Israel Synagogue almost a year ago. Community leaders, including Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, have expressed skepticism about the new measures’ ability to address rising anti-Semitic sentiments and ensure safety.
Despite the challenges, Zable remains committed to his mission. He actively engages with police during protests, often complying with requests to remove his headgear. Zable views his role as a communicator whose performance art is intended to provoke thought and conversation.
The ongoing debate around protest legislation in Victoria includes provisions to ban the public display of terrorist symbols and to increase penalties for assaults during religious assemblies. However, the proposed outright ban on protests at places of worship has been dropped. Additionally, the government is moving forward with legislation that prohibits attachment devices, such as glue and chains, that could endanger public safety.
Activists continue to voice their discontent with the evolving landscape of protest regulations. Rob Beamish, from the climate activist group Rouser, demonstrated outside parliament in a costume made from attachment devices to draw attention to the perceived crackdown on protest rights. His actions echo those of historical figures like Zelda D’Aprano, who famously chained herself to a government building in 1969 to advocate for equal pay.
Legal experts, including Sarah Schwartz from the Human Rights Law Centre, are monitoring the situation closely. Schwartz emphasised the importance of safeguarding the rights of peaceful protesters, even when faced with instances of violence. Zable’s activism embodies this principle, as he continues to use his costume to make impactful political statements while advocating for social change.
As the conversation surrounding protest rights and public safety continues, the balance between freedom of expression and law enforcement remains a complex issue that will require careful consideration by lawmakers and the community alike.
