The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, has put forward the theory that an 'errant email' could be responsible for the critical failure to notify his office about a planned neo-Nazi rally held directly outside the NSW Parliament in Sydney.
A Weekend Security Breakdown
More than 60 members of a known neo-Nazi group gathered on Macquarie Street on Saturday, bearing a banner that called for the abolition of the 'Jewish Lobby' and allegedly shouting Nazi slogans. Premier Minns revealed that staff in his office, along with his departmental secretary Simon Draper, were left completely in the dark about the event.
He speculated that the fact the demonstration was held on a weekend may have contributed to the communication failure. "If I were to speculate, I would suggest it was because it was on the weekend," Minns stated. "The truth of the matter is, people work on the weekend, and people come into the office on the weekend. So, a glaring oversight. It's a reason, not an excuse."
Growing List of Those Informed
This explanation comes amidst revelations that a growing list of senior officials and bodies were, in fact, warned in advance. The list now includes:
- NSW Police
- Parliamentary Security
- The office of the NSW Speaker, Greg Piper
- The office of the President of the NSW Legislative Council, Ben Franklin
A spokesperson for the President's office confirmed they had received a group email from the security manager on Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, Speaker Greg Piper disclosed that his staff were informed on Friday, and he had personally attempted, unsuccessfully, to have the rally relocated.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell has since apologised, admitting he was aware of the rally before it occurred, an event that was officially approved by local police. The police minister, Yasmin Catley, and police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, have joined Premier Minns in insisting they only learned of the event after it had concluded.
Review and Reforms Announced
Facing intense scrutiny, Premier Minns has announced that his departmental secretary, Simon Draper, will lead a review into the security procedures. This investigation will also examine a similar rally held by the same group in June.
"The information was provided from police to parliamentary security," Minns explained, emphasising the breakdown occurred after this point. "They knew about it, but didn't share it with staff, members of parliament, public officials or bureaucrats. They should have known, we should have known."
He reiterated to reporters that he and his staff found out only "after the event had taken place and journalists contacted us," firmly denying any prior knowledge. In response to the incident, the premier has also announced fresh laws designed to restrict protests near places of worship.
NSW parliamentary security has defended its actions, stating that "responses and procedures were appropriately carried out to ensure the safety of those within the precinct." They confirmed they were notified by NSW Police in advance, as is standard procedure for all approved protests near parliament.
