NSW Supreme Court Gives Green Light to Harbour Bridge Protest March-Update –
Sydney,NSW
Saturday 02 August,12.00 midday
*This news report was generated with the assistance of Google Gemini AI and fact checked/formatted by A.Ritenis
A pro-Palestine protest march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge has been authorized to proceed on Sunday after the New South Wales Supreme Court rejected an application from police to prohibit the event.
In a landmark decision handed down on Saturday morning, Justice Belinda Rigg ruled in favor of the Palestine Action Group, stating that the potential for public inconvenience was not a sufficient reason to bar a peaceful public assembly. The ruling provides legal protection to demonstrators, who had previously vowed to march regardless of the court’s outcome.
Video Copyright-Sydney Times Archival footage filmed in 2023 by A.Ritenis
The NSW Police Commissioner had sought a prohibition order, arguing that there was not enough time to prepare a proper traffic management plan for the event. Police also raised concerns about public safety and the potential for a “crowd crush” given the large number of attendees expected. The Palestine Action Group claims up to 50,000 people will participate in the march, which is aimed at protesting Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
In her judgment, Justice Rigg acknowledged the strong public interest in freedom of expression, stating, “If matters such as this were to be determinative, no assembly involving inconvenience would be permitted.”
She noted that depriving groups of the opportunity to demonstrate in an authorized public assembly “would inevitably lead to resentment and alienation.”
The ruling means that participants in the march will have immunity from being charged under the Summary Offences Act for actions such as obstructing traffic, which is a key component of the planned protest. However, police will still retain their powers to address any antisocial behavior or other offenses during the event.
NSW Premier Chris Minns had previously voiced support for the police’s decision to deny permission, citing fears of “chaos” and the potential for the march to impact essential services.
The decision, however, was met with praise from some politicians and human rights groups. Greens Justice spokesperson Sue Higginson called it “a win for humanity,” while the State Opposition Leader, Mark Speakman, expressed respect for the right to protest but voiced concern that the decision set a “wrong precedent.”
The march is scheduled to take place on Sunday, with organizers stating they are committed to a peaceful and safe event.
