In response to the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach, sweeping new laws have been introduced, leading to a temporary ban on public protests, marches, and rallies in large parts of Sydney. These restrictions will be in effect for the next two weeks, significantly altering the landscape for public demonstrations in the city.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced these measures late on Wednesday. He declared the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan, and Central Metropolitan policing areas as ‘restricted’ zones for public gatherings. This decision underscores the heightened security concerns in the wake of the incident.

Under the terms of this 14-day order, any protest or rally is now considered unauthorised. Participants at such events will no longer be shielded by the Summary Offences Act, leaving them vulnerable to charges related to obstructing traffic or impeding pedestrian movement. This marks a significant shift in how public assemblies are managed, reflecting an urgent need for caution and safety.

Furthermore, the police will not accept any new Form 1 applications for protests during this period, and any gatherings that had previously been approved have now been revoked. This move aims to prevent any potential threats and ensure public safety in a time of heightened vigilance.

Commissioner Lanyon emphasized the importance of community solidarity in these challenging times. “This is a time for the community to come together and show respect and courtesy. It’s not a time for large public assemblies and division. The community deserves to be safe and feel safe,” he stated, reinforcing the government’s stance on prioritizing security over public demonstrations.

This development follows emergency legislation passed by Parliament, which grants the Commissioner powers to impose bans following a declared terrorist incident. The legislation highlights the delicate balance between civil liberties and public safety that authorities must navigate in the current climate.

‘This declaration is designed to give police the powers to ensure community safety,’ Commissioner Lanyon said.

‘The tragic events at Bondi Beach have left a profound impact on our community and reaffirmed the urgent need for stronger safeguards to reduce fear and increase safety.’

All protests have been banned across Sydney for 14 days (pictured pro-Palestine march in 2023) 

Demonstrators at an anti-immigration rally at Prince Alfred Park in Sydney on December 21

Informal gatherings are still allowed, but police can now issue move-on directions to anyone causing obstructions, behaving in an intimidating or harassing manner, or likely to cause fear.

Officers have also been given new powers to require people suspected of offences to remove face coverings for identification.

‘In the immediate aftermath of the attack at Bondi last week, further protest activity would aggravate fear and divisiveness in the community at a time when we need to build safety and confidence,’ Lanyon added.

‘We will continue working closely with the government and community leaders to ensure these laws are implemented in a way that strengthens safety and cohesion across our state.’

The restrictions will be reviewed after 14 days, and may be renewed fortnightly for up to three months.

The crackdown has sparked backlash from advocacy groups, including the Palestine Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation, and the Blak Caucus, a First Nations organisation.

These groups are preparing to mount a constitutional challenge to the new laws.

‘It unnecessarily infringes on the implied freedom of political communication, which is essentially the freedom of speech we have in this country,’ lawyer Nick Hanna said on Tuesday. 

Police officers watching over demonstrators at the anti-immigration rally on December 21

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon (pictured) said it was ‘not a time’ for large protests

In Parliament, the NSW Greens opposed the legislation and are supporting the constitutional challenge over concerns about the protest ban.

‘The Palestine justice movement and anti-genocide protests, made up of hundreds of thousands of people and including many Jewish community members, have consistently and loudly opposed antisemitism and all forms of racism,’ Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi said, criticising the ban.

‘This is a time when unity, solidarity and meaningful leadership are needed, not authoritarianism nor the undermining of democracy, which depends on our right to assemble, to speak out, and to protest.’

Critics have also highlighted confusion about the scope of the bans, questioning whether they apply only to marching protests or also to static gatherings such as vigils and sit-ins.