A heated debate is unfolding in Sydney as protesters prepare to demonstrate against Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit, raising questions about civil liberties and police authority. The Palestine Action Group, which is at the forefront of organizing this rally, is currently gearing up to legally contest the New South Wales government's use of special powers that restrict public assembly, making this a critical moment for free expression in the region.
On Sunday, Paul Dunstan, the acting assistant commissioner of New South Wales police, revealed that discussions were ongoing between police and Josh Lees from the Palestine Action Group regarding the planned march route on Monday evening. The group intends to march from Town Hall to the state parliament, which contradicts a police declaration that extends restrictions on public gatherings following recent events.
This declaration essentially prohibits any protests within certain designated areas, which include the Town Hall and a significant portion of the central business district (CBD), while notably excluding Hyde Park. Dunstan has suggested an alternative route through Hyde Park to Belmore Park, asserting that it would minimize potential friction between law enforcement and demonstrators. He expressed concerns about the capacity at Town Hall, indicating that a large turnout could spill over into other public areas, potentially leading to confrontations.
"I have genuine worries about the size of the crowd at Town Hall and the risk of overflow into surrounding public spaces, which might trigger conflict," Dunstan stated. "For this reason, among others, I urge the protestors to consider changing their location and to keep communicating with us."
Despite the tensions, Dunstan acknowledged that Lees had made considerable efforts to ensure that the protest would remain peaceful and safe. Premier Chris Minns also weighed in, suggesting that choosing the alternative route would significantly ease tensions in the city. He emphasized that this approach would not only allow protests to occur but would also respect those in the city mourning after a major terrorist attack, ensuring that they would not be faced with confrontational situations on the streets.
So far, however, the organizers have not opted for this alternative route. Minns reassured the public that negotiations would continue right up until the event, hoping that rationality would prevail.
In response to the situation, Minns invoked the state’s "major event" legislation, which grants police enhanced powers to disperse crowds, close specific areas, and issue orders aimed at maintaining public safety. Those who disobey police regulations could face serious repercussions, including hefty fines amounting to $5,500.
Lees confirmed that the Palestine Action Group is mobilizing to file a legal challenge in the New South Wales Supreme Court on Monday, contesting Minns' implementation of these powers. He criticized the measures as "a direct threat to the civil liberties of all residents in New South Wales."
"Once again, we are taking Chris Minns to court. His sweeping restrictions on search, exclusion, and conduct across our city are blatant attempts to silence dissent," Lees declared. He argued that the declaration gives police excessive authority in central Sydney, effectively criminalizing political expression and assembly.
"These laws serve to intimidate and dissuade individuals from speaking out against perceived injustices and war crimes. Instead of championing human rights, the New South Wales government is resorting to emergency powers to shield a visiting head of state from necessary public scrutiny and accountability."
Additionally, the Palestine Action Group is also pursuing a separate legal challenge against the anti-protest laws enacted after a violent incident in Bondi.
When queried about the impending legal challenge, Dunstan remarked that such matters fall within the government's purview rather than the police's. He noted that over 3,000 officers would be deployed throughout Sydney in anticipation of Herzog’s visit, advising residents and visitors to expect motorcades and barricades in the CBD over the upcoming days.
"Given the heightened tensions associated with this visit, there will be an increased police presence. However, people should feel assured that they can go about their usual activities in the coming days," Dunstan assured. He urged those planning to attend the protest to be mindful of the extensive police operation and potential protest actions starting from 5:30 PM onward.
"Our goal is to avoid conflict. We aim to facilitate a peaceful and safe environment, and I believe we can achieve that by collaborating with the Palestine Action Group," Dunstan concluded.
Premier Minns called for "respect and calm" as the city navigates the next few days leading up to the event. This visit comes in the wake of a tragic antisemitic attack in Bondi on December 14, which prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to invite Herzog, with the intention of fostering a sense of unity among communities. Major Jewish organizations, along with federal and state authorities, have welcomed Herzog’s visit as a notably significant occasion.
Conversely, certain groups, including some Jewish organizations in Australia, argue that Herzog should be denied entry into the country, citing allegations of inciting violence against Palestinians. A UN commission, though not officially representing the UN, concluded in September 2025 that Israel had committed acts of genocide in Gaza, implicating Herzog and other Israeli leaders in encouraging such actions.
Israel's foreign ministry refuted the commission's findings, labeling them as "biased and inaccurate," claiming they rely solely on misinformation propagated by Hamas.
Raneem Emad, a Palestinian Australian who plans to participate in the protest against Herzog's visit, expressed her sentiments about the upcoming event: "For many of us, this visit feels like a slap in the face. So many families, including mine, have suffered immense losses in Gaza. No one else understands that pain quite like another Palestinian mother or someone who has endured similar heart-wrenching losses."
