The New South Wales government has rejected a proposal by pro-Palestine activists to march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Sunday, citing concerns over timing and public safety. The Palestine Action Group had announced plans to alter the route of its near-weekly rallies to cross the iconic bridge to the US consulate.
Premier Chris Minns stated that the government could not support a protest of that scale on the bridge with only one week's notice, warning of potential chaos and safety risks. “The bridge is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in our city used every day by thousands of people,” Minns said in a statement.
In response, the Palestine Action Group offered to delay the march by a week to accommodate the government's concerns. Spokesperson Josh Lees argued that the bridge has been closed at short notice for film shoots, maintenance, and previous marches, and could be temporarily closed to “help stop a genocide” in Gaza.
The group has submitted a formal notification to police for the public assembly, which if accepted would protect attendees from anti-protest laws. The NSW Greens have urged the government to support the protest, while the Liberal opposition backed the premier's decision.
The World Health Organization has recorded 74 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza this year, including 24 children under five, as the conflict continues to draw international condemnation.
