The NSW government has invoked major event legislation ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit next week, with Premier Chris Minns warning protesters that police will not allow “conflict on Sydney streets”. The declaration grants police additional powers, including directing people to move on, closing specific locations, and issuing directions to prevent disruption. Failure to comply risks fines of up to $5,500.
However, 13 state and federal NSW MPs have written to Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, appealing for him to facilitate a planned assembly and march from Town Hall to state parliament. Several MPs said they would join protesters, accusing Minns of trying to paint peaceful protest as “inconvenient and illegitimate”.
Herzog is due to arrive on Monday for a five-day visit, meeting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Jewish leaders, and victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack. Protesters and human rights experts have called for his invitation to be rescinded.
Police have offered an alternative route from Hyde Park to the south of the CBD, but the Palestine Action Group has not agreed. Minns described this as “unfortunate” and urged protest organisers to accept the police escort to lower tensions.
