New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has invoked special powers for police to restrict protests during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's upcoming visit to Sydney. The move was widely criticized by local MPs who have expressed concerns that the measures will effectively ban peaceful demonstrations in the city.
Under the state's "major event" legislation, police will have additional powers to manage crowd safety and maintain separation between different groups. This includes directing people to move on where necessary, closing specific locations, and issuing directions to prevent disruption or risk to public safety. Failure to comply with these directions may result in penalties, including fines of up to $5,500.
However, 13 state and federal MPs have written to the police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, appealing for him to work with protest organizers to facilitate a planned assembly and march from Town Hall to State Parliament. Several of the MPs, including Greens MP Sue Higginson, plan to join protesters in the march, arguing that peaceful protests are an essential right.
The group is pushing back against Minns' assertion that protesting during Herzog's visit would be "inconvenient and illegitimate". Instead, they claim that it will be a lawful exercise of their constitutional rights. Higginson stated that the police commissioner has the power to ensure public safety while also upholding the right to protest.
The controversy surrounding Herzog's visit has sparked fears among protesters that the additional powers could effectively ban protests in the CBD and eastern suburbs over the course of his five-day tour. The Palestinian Action Group has proposed a rally from Town Hall through the streets of the Sydney CBD, which is unauthorized by police.
Herzog is expected to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Jewish leaders, and victims of the Bondi beach terror attack and their families during his visit. The NSW Police minister, Yasmin Catley, emphasized that Herzog's visit is intended to be a moment of mourning for the Australian Jewish community.
As the Israeli president arrives in Sydney on Monday, protesters will take to the streets to express their views on the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the NSW police will successfully balance public safety with the right to peaceful protest.
Under the state's "major event" legislation, police will have additional powers to manage crowd safety and maintain separation between different groups. This includes directing people to move on where necessary, closing specific locations, and issuing directions to prevent disruption or risk to public safety. Failure to comply with these directions may result in penalties, including fines of up to $5,500.
However, 13 state and federal MPs have written to the police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, appealing for him to work with protest organizers to facilitate a planned assembly and march from Town Hall to State Parliament. Several of the MPs, including Greens MP Sue Higginson, plan to join protesters in the march, arguing that peaceful protests are an essential right.
The group is pushing back against Minns' assertion that protesting during Herzog's visit would be "inconvenient and illegitimate". Instead, they claim that it will be a lawful exercise of their constitutional rights. Higginson stated that the police commissioner has the power to ensure public safety while also upholding the right to protest.
The controversy surrounding Herzog's visit has sparked fears among protesters that the additional powers could effectively ban protests in the CBD and eastern suburbs over the course of his five-day tour. The Palestinian Action Group has proposed a rally from Town Hall through the streets of the Sydney CBD, which is unauthorized by police.
Herzog is expected to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Jewish leaders, and victims of the Bondi beach terror attack and their families during his visit. The NSW Police minister, Yasmin Catley, emphasized that Herzog's visit is intended to be a moment of mourning for the Australian Jewish community.
As the Israeli president arrives in Sydney on Monday, protesters will take to the streets to express their views on the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the NSW police will successfully balance public safety with the right to peaceful protest.
! I mean, I get it, security is a thing, but do we really need special powers to restrict protests? It feels like they're trying to silence people who are passionate about something. And what's up with the fines of $5,500? That's, like, a whole lot of money 
. Can't we just have a peaceful assembly and march without all the drama? I'm low-key worried that this will lead to more tension and conflict in the city 
. On the other hand, I gotta respect people's right to protest and express themselves. It's all about balance, you know? 
! Can you believe that the Premier is trying to silence people just because some of them don't agree with the Israeli government's policies? It's not about silencing anyone, it's about exercising our right to free speech and peaceful protest. I mean, what's next? Banning all concerts or festivals in Sydney just because someone might be playing some "disagreeable" music?
This Israeli prez visit is gonna be all about mourning and whatnot, so let's try to keep it peaceful, you feel? 
The MPs who are protesting with us should get some props for standing up for their rights. 
. It's just a peaceful march from Town Hall to Parliament, no big deal! 
Let's not let politics ruin our vibe, man 
! I mean, can you imagine having a bunch of crazy protesters ruining a dignified event like an Israeli president's visit? It's only fair that the cops have some extra powers to keep everyone safe. All these MPs who want to join in on the protests and "facilitate" the assembly are just being unrealistic 
The police commissioner is doing his job and keeping the peace. If people can't handle a little extra security, that's not the cops' problem 
.