The New South Wales government's proposal to restrict protests during terrorism designations has been condemned by pro-Palestine activists, Jewish groups and civil liberty campaigners, who accuse Labor of eroding democratic freedoms. The plan was announced by Premier Chris Minns in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack that killed 15 people.
Under the changes, a form 1 authorisation for protests would be unavailable when police have expanded 'special powers' under a terrorism designation. Protesters could then be charged under the Summary Offences Act for blocking traffic. Minns said the move was necessary to prevent protests that could 'rip apart our community', though he acknowledged no protests were currently planned.
Max Kaiser, executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, expressed concern that the proposal was directed at the pro-Palestine movement and risked dividing communities. Jesse McNicoll from Jewish Voices of Inner Sydney called it 'outrageous' to use the pain of his community to shut down a movement opposing genocide. Both groups have been vocal supporters of Palestine.
Police have alleged the Bondi gunmen, Naveed Akram and his father Sajid, were inspired by Isis. The attack occurred at a Hanukah festival in Archer park. The federal government's antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, said the attack did not come without warning, citing protests at the Sydney Opera House in October 2023.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to directly endorse the protest restrictions but said hatred 'starts with language' and that a line had been crossed repeatedly in political discourse. He previously condemned the Opera House demonstration as 'completely reprehensible'.
