Authorities in New South Wales have enacted sweeping new powers to restrict public gatherings across Sydney for a fortnight, a move that has sparked immediate controversy and accusations of overreach.
New Police Powers Activated
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon invoked the new legislation just before midnight on Wednesday, imposing a 14-day restriction on public assemblies. The declaration, which can be renewed every two weeks for up to three months, applies to the south-west, north-west, and central metropolitan policing areas of Sydney.
Under the rules, gatherings are not outright banned, but police have been granted enhanced authority to issue move-on directions. These can be applied to individuals causing obstructions, behaving in an intimidatory or harassing manner, or those likely to cause fear in another person.
Laws Rushed Through After Bondi Attack
The powers are part of a legislative package rammed through parliament by Premier Chris Minns in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. That incident, described by Minns as the state's worst terrorism event, saw a father and son allegedly attack a Jewish Hanukah celebration, resulting in 15 fatalities.
The government's new laws also encompass tougher gun restrictions and strengthened hate speech regulations. Minns has defended the crackdown on assemblies, arguing it is necessary to prevent hate speech from running rampant. He specifically cited pro-Palestine protests as breeding antisemitism that organisers could not control—a claim protest organisers vehemently deny.
Civil Liberties Concerns and Legal Challenges
The decision has been met with fierce criticism from civil liberties organisations and political opponents, who label the measures "draconian" and an infringement on the right to assembly. The federal Greens have described the laws as "dangerous and divisive."
Indigenous groups have raised specific concerns that the powers, if extended, could impact planned Invasion Day protests on 26 January. In response, Premier Minns stated such assemblies "can take place," suggesting a distinction would be made between static rallies and marches through city streets.
Former Supreme Court judge Anthony Whealy expressed concern on ABC Radio, noting that the laws could also prevent the Jewish community from protesting should they feel policing at the Hanukah event was inadequate. A legal challenge to the validity of the laws is also brewing, casting uncertainty over their long-term impact.
Despite the backlash, the NSW government maintains the laws are designed not to stop peaceful gatherings but to ensure public safety during a period of heightened tension. "We want to make sure we're in a position to keep the people of NSW safe," Minns said, adding that he did not "resile from the fact that, in these circumstances... words can lead to actions."
