A pro-Palestine protest that plans to march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge will go ahead with legal protection after its organisers won a supreme court challenge.
The court heard up to 50,000 people were expected to attend – the same number of people who marched across the bridge for World Pride in 2023.
New South Wales police sought powers to move on protesters and expressed serious concerns about the disruption a large protest on the bridge would have on the city.
But Justice Belinda Rigg said disruption and inconvenience alone were not enough to stifle the right to political protest and noted “significant support for the march”.
Here are some answers to questions you may have about the march, including its planned route, transport disruptions and potential risks.
The court has ‘authorised’ the protest, what does that mean?
The ruling means protesters will have immunity from being charged under the Summary Offences Act. This includes protection from offences like “obstructing traffic” – crucial in this particular protest.
However, police will still have access to a range of other powers to stem what the court described as “antisocial behaviour” or other types of offending. This includes showing prohibited symbols.
David Mejia-Canales, a senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre, said the authorisation “doesn’t give people the ability to engage in all types and all forms of activism”.
“It’s really important for people who do attend that they follow the directions of organisers and marshals.”
There is no authority to ban protest or deem it unlawful in NSW. This is because, while there is no express right to protest in the state, it is covered in common law and by the Australian constitution, which the high court has found implies the right to freedom of political communication.
What is planned and how long will the bridge shut down for?
The protest will begin at 1pm on Sunday at Lang Park in Sydney’s CBD. Protesters will then march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge into north Sydney.
Early plans shared with protesters stated the march would end at the US consulate, but this may change. The protest is expected to last several hours.
The bridge will be closed to traffic from about 11.30am. Police hope it will reopen to traffic from about 4pm. They have advised people to avoid the CBD and travel in the city unless necessary.
Are police still concerned?
Yes, but NSW police will comply with the court’s decision and say they are working with protest organisers to address issues and concerns.
A significant police presence will be in the city, including officers brought in from across the suburbs. The force has said it will also use specialist resources, including the public order and riot squad and mounted police.
Police have advised the public to expect significant disruptions in and around the CBD.
What about the counter-protest?
A counter protest against antisemitism, organised by the Christian-led group Never Again is Now, will not be granted legal protection because, according to the supreme court, “notice was served less than seven days before the proposed assembly”.
The group had been planning to protest outside the Sydney harbour tunnel, close to the pro-Palestinian march.
Rigg said police would have the legal power to direct this group to move on or, if necessary, arrest demonstrators for non-compliance.
These powers will not extend to those marching in the pro-Palestine demonstration.
What has the government said?
The state government is yet to respond to the supreme court decision.
Earlier this week, Chris Minns opposed the protest, saying: “We cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos.” But several NSW Labor MPs defied their premier, vowing to attend the march.
Labor’s Stephen Lawrence, Anthony D’Adam, Lynda Voltz, Cameron Murphy and Sarah Kaine were among 15 NSW politicians who signed an open letter on Thursday evening calling on the government to facilitate “a safe and orderly event” on Sunday.
The state opposition leader, Mark Speakman, said while he respected the freedom to protest, including with rallies and marches, “allowing the takeover of the Harbour Bridge for a protest in the middle of the day sets the wrong precedent for the future”.
What’s happening in Melbourne?
Protesters in Melbourne are also planning to blockade the King Street bridge from midday on Sunday in solidarity with NSW demonstrators.
Event organisers Free Palestine Coalition Naarm have urged supporters to “block the city for Gaza” and to bring pots and pans to “highlight the manufactured starvation that is causing mass casualties in Gaza”.
Victoria police on Friday said they had made “repeated requests” for protesters to change their plans, as blocking the bridge – which provides a major thoroughfare into the city - could delay emergency services.
They said there would be a visible police presence in the city on Sunday “to keep the peace and ensure the safety of the community”.
- With Benita Kolovos
