The New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, has signalled tough new laws to curtail regular protests in Sydney's CBD and at major sites like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Speaking on Monday, Minns indicated his government had not finished making changes to protest regulations, suggesting a need to address the recurring weekend demonstrations.
“I do believe we’re going to have to confront this idea that the centre of Sydney can be dominated weekend after weekend after weekend by the same protests,” Minns said. He emphasised that while people have a right to protest, others have a right to enjoy the city without disruption, calling the situation “confronting and quite divisive”.
The premier also foreshadowed potential bans on specific chants, singling out “globalise the intifada” as a phrase he would like prohibited. A state parliamentary inquiry has been asked to review hate speech, with a requirement to consider that phrase. Minns noted that Australia does not have freedom of speech laws like those in the US, which could limit such measures.
Minns’ comments come after the NSW government rushed through laws following the Bondi beach terror attack in December, allowing police to effectively ban all protests for 14-day periods after a terrorist event declaration. A legal challenge has been launched against these restrictions. The government is also deciding whether to allow the Jewish community’s security organisation to carry weapons outside Jewish premises.
