In the wake of a contentious protest in Sydney, Premier Chris Minns has voiced strong disapproval over the demonstrators’ use of the phrase “globalise the intifada,” which the New South Wales government aims to prohibit. The protest has sparked a heated debate, with Minns questioning how such a gathering could take place in the city.

“It’s troubling that a protest can occur in the heart of Sydney featuring a swastika tattooed on the Star of David on a poster, images of the Ayatollah, Iran’s supreme leader, and apparel emblazoned with ‘Death to the IDF’ [Israel Defense Forces],” Minns stated. Additionally, he highlighted the presence of a sign claiming, “All Zionists are neo-Nazis,” as part of the demonstration’s disturbing imagery.

Amidst the growing tension, Josh Lees from the Palestine Action Group Sydney has argued that the newly introduced protest laws are unconstitutional. He revealed that three organizations are gearing up to challenge these regulations in court. Lees suggests that the laws infringe upon fundamental freedoms, sparking a critical conversation about the balance between free expression and maintaining public order.

Minns further questioned the broader impact of such protests on the community, asking, “How can we argue that protests displaying these messages do not influence the culture, temperature, or even incite extreme actions within our society?” The situation has illuminated the complexities of managing protests while ensuring community safety and harmony.

“How can we say that protests that have these signs have no bearing on either the culture, the temperature or even extreme actions within our community?”

“In some instances, the organisers of these protests are unleashing forces that they can’t control.”

Premier condemns ‘troll-like’ response

Josh Lees from Palestine Action Group Sydney said a ban may embolden people to use it: “I’ve never chanted this in the last two years. So the fact that Chris Minns wants to ban it might make it popular.”

Greens NSW MLC Sue Higginson said her party would stand with the fundamental right to protest, warning the changes would “feed dissent”.

Premier ‘hopeful’ of new protest laws passing

A legal challenge will be brought by the Palestinian Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation and the First Nations-led Blak Caucus.

They have raised particular concerns about the impact the laws could have on Invasion Day rallies in January, which would fall within the three-month window following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

‘Unconstitutional’ and ‘anti-democratic’, say challengers

Nick Hanna, the criminal defence lawyer representing the groups, said while they recognised the need for law reform following the Bondi Beach attack, the proposed protest changes were “unconstitutional” and violated the right to freedom of speech.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has defended his government’s crackdown on protests, saying there was a “tinderbox” in the community and the new laws were aimed at protecting public safety. Source: AAP / Dominic Lorrimer

Josh Lees from Palestine Action Group Sydney said the antisemitic attack was being conflated with protest movements more broadly, particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

“These laws will take away the rights of everyone in NSW to gather together as a community, to express their views, to express their opposition to whatever government policies they oppose, to demand change — all the things that have been so crucial to our democracy.”

What would the new laws change?

The proposed legislation covers two key areas following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack: gun laws and protest laws.

Protest laws

The changes include restricting the authorisation of public assemblies in designated areas for three months following a terrorist incident — effectively banning them.

Police would be given new powers to demand a person remove their face covering at a public assembly if they believe the person has committed an offence.

Gun laws

It would also impose a complete ban on firearms capable of using belt-fed magazines, restrict access to certain firearms to primary producers only, and strengthen firearms licence checks and accountability.