Planned March in Sydney Amid Israeli President's Visit
The Palestine Action Group intends to hold a march from Sydney Town Hall to the state parliament, despite restrictions under a public assembly declaration. The planned protest coincides with Israeli president Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney and has prompted negotiations with New South Wales police.
The acting assistant commissioner of NSW police, Paul Dunstan, stated on Sunday that discussions were ongoing with Josh Lees, leader of the Palestine Action Group, regarding the march's location.
The group’s proposed route breaches the public assembly restriction declaration, which currently prohibits authorisation of protests under the form 1 system in designated areas. This effectively bans marches in specified zones without risking arrest. The designated area includes Town Hall, the northern part of the CBD, and the eastern suburbs, but notably excludes Hyde Park.
Dunstan encouraged the group to consider relocating their march to Hyde Park and proceed to Belmore Park, suggesting this would allow for a peaceful and safe protest on Sydney's streets.
“I do have concerns about the size of Town Hall, and possibility of overflow into public areas, which could lead to conflict between police and protesters,”
“For that reason, among many, I would ask them to consider relocating and to continue negotiating with us.”
Dunstan also acknowledged the efforts of Josh Lees in outlining a peaceful intent for the protest.
Government and Police Perspectives on Protest Route
Premier Chris Minns supported the suggestion of an alternate route, stating it would have significantly reduced tensions in the city.
“It would have been a clear way of demonstrating that there’s protests that can take place ... but also a respectful way of ensuring that those who are in the city, who are mourning after the worst terrorism event in the country’s history won’t be subject to a confrontation on city streets,”
He added that although the opportunity to relocate has not been accepted, NSW police will continue negotiations with the protest organisers until the last moment, hoping for a resolution based on common sense.
The premier has granted police additional powers to manage the situation, including the authority to move people on, close specific locations, and issue orders to prevent disruption or risks to public safety. Non-compliance with police directions may result in penalties, including fines up to $5,500.
Legal Challenge to Police Powers
Josh Lees confirmed on Sunday that the Palestine Action Group will urgently file proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court on Monday to challenge Premier Minns’ use of these special powers, which Lees claims threaten civil liberties across NSW.
“We are taking Chris Minns to court again. He has imposed sweeping search, exclusion and conduct restrictions across our city in an attempt to shut down dissent,”
“The declaration gives police unprecedented authority across central Sydney for the duration of the visit, effectively criminalising political expression and assembly.
These laws are designed to intimidate and deter people from speaking out against war crimes and injustice.
Instead of defending human rights, the NSW government is using emergency-style powers to shield a visiting head of state from public scrutiny and accountability.”
A separate legal challenge against NSW’s anti-protest laws, enacted after the Bondi attack, is also ongoing.
Police Deployment and Public Advisory
When questioned about the impending legal challenge, Dunstan stated that it is a matter for the government rather than the police.
He informed that over 3,000 police officers will be deployed across Sydney during Herzog’s visit. The public should expect motorcades, clearway zones, and the erection of fencing and barriers in the CBD over the coming days.
“With the tensions associated with this visit, you will see additional numbers, but people should feel confident to go about their business over the next few days as per normal,”
Dunstan advised those planning to be in the city from 5:30 pm onwards to be aware of the significant police operation and potential protest activity.
“We do not want conflict. We want to ensure that this conducted in a peaceful and safe manner and I’m confident that we can achieve that by working together with the Palestinian Action Group,”
Call for Respect and Calm
Premier Minns urged the public to maintain respect and calm throughout the next four days of the visit and associated events.
