The New South Wales police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has restricted public assemblies in Sydney for 14 days under new powers passed after the Bondi terror attack. The declaration applies to the south-west, north-west and central metropolitan policing areas and can be extended fortnightly up to three months.
Premier Chris Minns defended the decision, saying it was needed to prevent mass protests from tearing apart social cohesion. The laws, rushed through parliament after a father-son duo allegedly attacked a Hanukah event in Bondi, killing 15 people, include tougher gun restrictions and hate speech measures.
Civil liberties groups have condemned the restrictions as draconian and an infringement on the right to assembly. Former Supreme Court judge Anthony Whealy warned the divisive action could undermine goodwill, while Indigenous groups raised concerns about potential effects on Invasion Day protests on 26 January.
Mr Minns said the laws were not aimed at peaceful gatherings but at stopping hate speech, blaming pro-Palestine protests for fuelling antisemitism. Protest organisers have denied this, stating they are demonstrating against Israel's actions in Gaza. The declaration requires approval from Police Minister Yasmin Catley and may face a legal challenge.
