New South Wales Police have filed a legal action in the Supreme Court seeking to block a planned pro-Palestine march involving an estimated 10,000 participants set to take place at the Sydney Opera House on October 12.
The Palestine Action Group has applied to hold the demonstration, which would see protesters march from Hyde Park to the Opera House steps, marking the second anniversary of the Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said police were not opposed to public protests but raised significant concerns regarding public safety.
“This is not about denying the right to protest,” McKenna stated. “It’s about ensuring public safety. The Opera House simply cannot accommodate such large crowds due to planning and engineering restrictions. In case of emergency, safe evacuation must be possible.”
NSW Police fear attendance could exceed the projected 10,000, given the event’s strong promotion on social media.
Authorities had previously attempted to stop a similar march by the same group in August across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but lost the case in court, forcing them to accommodate a historic turnout estimated between 100,000 and 300,000 people.
McKenna defended the current court action, insisting each case is judged on its own merits. “The Sydney Harbour Bridge can hold far more people than the forecourt of the Opera House,” he said.
Negotiations are ongoing with the organisers to explore alternative routes, but the group has already confirmed the original plan publicly.
The Palestine Action Group has called on Australians to join what it describes as a “mass mobilisation” demanding sanctions on Israel and an end to arms sales. “The people of this country are united in saying: enough is enough,” the group stated.
The Opera House has a long history of serving as a backdrop for anti-war demonstrations. In 2003, protesters famously projected “No War” on its sails to oppose Australia’s involvement in Iraq.
