Sydney's 26th of January rallies may proceed despite the city's controversial anti-protest laws, as police and organizers work together to ensure a peaceful gathering. The New South Wales Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon, extended a restriction on protests following the Bondi terror attack, effectively banning major demonstrations in the city's streets. However, Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna assures that the police are collaborating with organizers to create alternative plans, regardless of the declaration's extension. This has sparked questions about the implications for the annual Invasion Day protests.
The anti-immigration group, March for Australia, has also announced a protest in Sydney on the same day. The current declaration does not outright ban protests but restricts the use of the Form 1 system, which could otherwise protect protesters from charges for certain offenses. It can be enforced for 14-day increments up to 90 days after a terror attack, allowing for free speech and assembly in non-disruptive locations.
Since the declaration's implementation, there have been 25 'static' protests, including rallies showing solidarity with anti-regime protesters in Iran, which were respectful and without incident. However, a protest on Friday outside Sydney Town Hall by Stop the War on Palestine and Jews Against the Occupation will challenge the Minns government's anti-protest laws and call for Anthony Albanese to cancel a planned visit by the Israeli president. The protesters plan to remain static outside the Town Hall, emphasizing their right to assemble even under these restrictive laws.
A protest on Sunday in Hyde Park will mark 10 years since David Dungay Jr's death in custody, calling for justice and an end to deaths in custody. The police have the power to disperse attendees who block pedestrian access, but the situation is described as volatile, and the police emphasize their non-political stance, aiming for a peaceful resolution to any potential conflicts.
