Amid rising tensions and concerns following the recent Bondi Beach terror attack, authorities in Sydney are considering new legislation aimed at managing large-scale protests. The proposed laws would necessitate the declaration of a terrorist incident under the NSW Terrorism (Police Powers) Act before certain police powers could be enacted.

The city’s leadership is tasked with balancing the right to protest with public safety. “Whatever the reasons for those protests and genuine grievances or concerns about what is happening overseas, my responsibility is in Sydney,” an official stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace in the city.

The specter of mass protests in the heart of Sydney raises fears of further unrest. “I don’t think that can happen if we have mass, major protests through the heart of the city, which, in my view, would rip apart and tear whatever scar tissue has been healed in just seven days,” the official continued, highlighting the delicate state of recovery post-attack.

As flowers and tributes line the ground outside Bondi Pavilion, where people have gathered to mourn and reflect, the city stands at a crossroads between healing and potential discord. The proposed legal measures represent a careful step toward ensuring that Sydney remains a safe space for all its residents, even amid global tensions.

The laws are being introduced in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack. 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.