“No matter the motivations behind these demonstrations, and whether they arise from legitimate concerns about international events, my focus remains firmly on Sydney,” stated the official.

“Achieving a peaceful environment is challenging with large-scale protests disrupting the city center. Such gatherings threaten to undo any progress made in healing the community’s wounds over the past week,” they continued.

The newly proposed legislation mandates that a terrorist event must be officially declared under the NSW Terrorism (Police Powers) Act.

This legislative move is a direct response to the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

That was passed in 2002 following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States the previous year, and gave police expanded powers to deal with imminent threats of terrorist activity and respond to attacks.

Once a declaration was made, no public assemblies would be able to be authorised for that area, including by a court, and police would be given access to existing powers to move people on when their behaviour “causes harassment or intimidation or obstructs traffic”.

“This is an outrageous claim, with absolutely no evidence to back it up,” the group said, adding that the movement had “always stood against antisemitism”.

Minns has argued the proposed powers are “proportionate” and said they are not about “suppressing views”.

How are protests in NSW currently authorised?

A Form 1 would not be able to be approved in a designated area following a declaration of a terrorist incident, meaning protests would be unauthorised.

What has been the reaction?

Others have expressed concerns about the proposals violating the right to assemble and protest.