New South Wales Police have decided to drop a previously laid charge against Hannah Thomas, a Greens party candidate, following a review. This review concluded that the police had inappropriately invoked emergency powers established after the 2005 Cronulla riots.
The 35-year-old Thomas stood for election in the Grayndler seat, previously held by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Initially, she faced charges of resisting police and failing to disperse upon request; these stemmed from a protest held outside SEC Plating in Lakemba Street, which Thomas insists was peaceful.
The review highlighted that the second charge related to anti-riot powers under part 6A of the Law Enforcement Powers and Responsibilities Act (LEPRA) should not have been applied without proper authorisation. Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden, who is overseeing this critical incident, stated that the anti-riot charge would be withdrawn, and a new charge would replace it. This new charge focuses on failing to comply with a direction under part 14 of the LEPRA.
McFadden confirmed that he initiated the review process on June 30, 2025, to ensure the charges reflected the appropriate circumstances. The police will seek to withdraw the anti-riot charge during Thomas’s upcoming court appearance.
While still under investigation by the Professional Standards Command with oversight from the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, allegations have surfaced regarding the nature of the protest, which reportedly hindered pedestrian access and was described as unauthorised. Some participants, including Thomas, were accused of not complying with police orders to move on, leading to arrests and claims of excessive force from law enforcement.
Thomas has sought legal advice, with her lawyer, Peter O’Brien, asserting the importance of accountability and the protection of the rights of individuals exercising their freedom of assembly and expression. He emphasised that the practices of police regarding the use of force should come under strict legal scrutiny.
During the incident, Thomas suffered severe facial injuries and was hospitalised for surgery. In a statement from her hospital bed, Thomas described her injuries and vulnerability, underscoring the troubling interaction she experienced with police while advocating peacefully.
Thomas is set to appear in Bankstown Local Court on August 12. Investigations related to the protest and the charges against a total of five individuals are ongoing.