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The proposed reforms have come under fire from critics, notably the Greens and the Palestine Action Group, who have described them as “draconian” and “reactionary anti-protest measures.”
One critic highlighted, “This isn’t happening in the Middle East, not in Israel or Gaza, but right here in Sydney. On our streets… Such measures foster a culture of division and could incite violence.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed concern that the organizers of pro-Palestinian rallies might be “unleashing uncontrollable forces.” He emphasized that while these organizers may be driven by strongly held beliefs, their actions could have unpredictable consequences.
While pro-Palestinian rally organisers may hold “sincerely held views”, Minns said they were “unleashing forces that they can’t control”.
Those declarations would last for an initial period of 14 days, and could be extended for up to three months.
Critics label laws ‘draconian’
“These laws are borne of political pressure, not a genuine consideration for the safety of our community,” Blatman said.
“What happened in Bondi was an evil antisemitic attack but let it be very clear, there is nothing connecting these attacks to the movement for justice in Palestine, to the protests we held, to the marches we shared,” she said.
Lees said the group reiterates its “complete opposition to all forms of racism, including antisemitism” but called the reforms “kneejerk anti-protest laws”.
While symbols of terrorist groups are already prohibited under federal laws, NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said the proposed state laws would be simpler.
“Whatever the reasons for those protests and genuine grievances or concerns about what is happening overseas, my responsibility is in Sydney.”
