The NSW Supreme Court is expected to make a ruling today regarding a pro-Palestine protest planned for tomorrow on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, organised by the Palestine Action Group. This decision, initially anticipated yesterday, was deferred to this morning. The protest aims to attract approximately 10,000 participants.
Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell has expressed concerns about the protest’s potential impact, asserting that closing the bridge could affect about 40,000 drivers for over six hours. The police argue they were not given sufficient notice to prepare a comprehensive response, which poses risks to public safety and officer security. Thurtell elaborated on the logistical challenges involved in managing such a large gathering, countering the organisers’ claim that the protest would only require one hour.
In an effort to facilitate the event, the Palestine Action Group offered to delay the protest by a few weeks; however, they remain committed to contesting any police attempts to prohibit the protest entirely in court. Organiser Josh Lees emphasized the significance of the Harbour Bridge, articulating that the mass demonstration sends a vital message to both the Israeli government and the Australian authorities about the situation in Gaza.
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the desire among many individuals to protest and expressed hopes of negotiating an alternative route to avoid disrupting the city’s major thoroughfare. He emphasized the need for a peaceful outcome to prevent chaos in the city’s streets.
In addition to the planned pro-Palestine rally, a pro-Israeli group named “Never Again Is Now” has also submitted an application for a protest at the Harbour Tunnel on Sunday. Justice Belinda Rigg is set to render her decision at 10am today.