New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has addressed the media ahead of a pro-Palestine rally and vigil planned for Sunday, October 6 and Monday, October 7.
Organisers are expecting around 5,000 people to participate in Sunday's rally, which will start in Sydney's Hyde Park.
Minns referred to the rally and vigil as “hugely insensitive”.
“I remain of the view that it is hugely insensitive, at best, to hold a planned vigil or rally on that day, 7 October. The truth of the matter is that it could inflame tensions in an already stretched and volatile situation in Sydney – not just Sydney but right around the world.”
Police and protesters agreed at a court hearing on Thursday that Sunday's rally could proceed with modifications, Minns said, but Monday's planned activity was “unauthorised”.
The vigil planned for 7 October will still occur, but will now be a standing vigil, which does not require a permit for police presence.
“First thing I would like to say is that no agreement from New South Wales police or the government was reached in relation to planned get-togethers or protests or vigils for Monday 7 October. That is the anniversary of the terrorist incident in Israel 12 months ago. NSW police did not withdraw their objections and they did not reach an understanding with protest organisers. Organisers withdrew their application for a planned get-together on that Monday.
“This is not an authorised protest in Sydney.”
There will be no tolerance for illegal behaviour or violence on any day of the year, according to a joint police statement.
Police from New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Federal Police issued the statement, saying:
"Police respect the right to peacefully protest and assemble in Australia, however, there will be no tolerance for illegal behaviour or violence on any day of the year.
"In Australia, there are offences that prohibit behaviour that incites or advocates violence or hatred based on race and religion, including the display of prohibited symbols in public under these circumstances.
"It is also a serious offence to counsel, promote, encourage, urge, instruct or praise terrorism.
"There is a range of State and Commonwealth legislation that can be used by police to uphold community safety and maintain social cohesion.
"Law enforcement agencies across Australia work together to share information, intelligence and evidence relating to criminal activity.
"Police are lock-step in keeping Australians safe, and continue to work with all Australians, visitors, stakeholders, community leaders and leaders of faith to ensure Australian laws are understood
"Police are planning and preparing for upcoming protests in some states and territories.
