Parliament has passed under urgency legislation that will extend a crackdown on anti-mining protests at sea to areas on or above the continental shelf.
The bill amends and corrects errors made in the Crown Minerals Amendment Act, which was passed four weeks ago. It comes into effect next Friday.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith defended the legislation, but refused to answer criticism from Opposition MPs that it is unconstitutional.
Labour energy and resources spokesperson Moana Mackey said that under international law, governments can't regulate activities on or above the continental shelf.
