The Palestine Action Group has announced plans to march against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney on 9 February, despite an extended protest restriction by the New South Wales police commissioner. The group's spokesperson, Josh Lees, called on police to 'exercise their discretion' and facilitate a peaceful rally from Town Hall to state parliament.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon extended the protest ban for another 14 days on Tuesday, citing Herzog's visit as a factor. The restriction, introduced after the Bondi terror attack, prevents authorisation of protests under the form 1 system, effectively banning marches in designated areas without risk of arrest. The power is being challenged in court on 26 February.
Lees said the group had submitted a form 1 for the protest, but Lanyon confirmed it would not be accepted as the march falls within the restricted area, which includes Town Hall and parts of the CBD and eastern suburbs. Lees argued that near-weekly pro-Palestine rallies over the past two years had occurred without safety issues.
NSW Labor MP Stephen Lawrence questioned the constitutionality of the laws, warning that suppressing protest could create a 'flashpoint' and inflame tensions. 'When you seek to suppress protest ... you can have an extreme amount of violence,' he said. Lanyon defended the extension, citing ongoing investigations into antisemitic incidents and the need to balance animosity about Herzog's visit with community safety.
