New South Wales' Court of Appeal has issued a landmark ruling banning a pro-Palestine march to the Sydney Opera House scheduled for this weekend, warning that attendees could face contempt of court. The decision, made on Thursday, sided with police who cited 'extreme' safety concerns.
The court ruled that anyone participating in the prohibited protest could be held in contempt, with penalties at the court's discretion and no maximum. Attendees could also face up to six months in jail under the Crimes Act for joining an unlawful assembly.
Felicity Graham, barrister for the Palestine Action Group, argued that finding protesters in contempt would be a 'radical departure' from previous practice. However, the justices—including Chief Justice Andrew Bell—found her argument unpersuasive, stating that the legislation clearly empowers the court to prohibit assemblies and that breaches may result in contempt.
Nick Hanna, a lawyer for the group, said the ruling has wide-ranging implications for protest rights across Australia. 'It doesn't matter whether your cause is ending the genocide in Gaza or protesting against racism or for a pay rise,' he said.
Following the ruling, the Palestine Action Group and Jews Against Occupation changed Sunday's route to march from Hyde Park along George Street to Belmore Park instead. They called on Premier Chris Minns to light the Opera House sails with the Palestinian flag.
