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At present, the police will not authorize any public protests, and they are not accepting Form 1 applications required for protest approvals.
While gatherings remain permissible, law enforcement officers now have enhanced authority to disperse individuals who are causing obstructions or engaging in intimidating or harassing behavior.
In response to recent incidents at Bondi, authorities, including Lanyon, have emphasized the need for more stringent protections. These measures aim to prevent further community discord.
Lanyon assured that the New South Wales Police are dedicated to using these newfound powers with responsibility and transparency.
“This is a time for our community to unite and demonstrate respect and courtesy,” he stated. “It is not a time for mass public gatherings and division.”
“Further protest activity would aggravate fear and divisiveness in the community at a time when we need to build safety and confidence.”
The new laws have already been met with pushback by several groups, with court action underway to try and prevent them.
It has already received a constitutional challenge in the High Court over the potential impact it will have on civil liberties.
It was launched by The Palestine Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation and the First Nations-led Blak Caucus, who condemned the reforms as undemocratic.