'People are burying their dead': Premier's strong message over planned protests

Published 5 hours ago
Source: 9news.com.au
'People are burying their dead': Premier's strong message over planned protests

The NSW premier has a stern message for anyone planning protests on the one-week anniversary of the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Chris Minns, who is pushing for parliament to grant "extraordinary powers" to the state government to restrict protests in the wake of terrorist attacks, warned that today was not the time to stage a rally.

"Don't do it. Don't go ahead with it," Minns told Today.

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NSW Premier Chris Minns

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"Right now, people are burying their dead. They're coming together as a community.

"The Jewish community are coming together to mourn the loss of so many people in their family."

Minns said it was important to avoid escalating tensions of an already "undeniably combustible situation".

NSW Police confirmed it is aware an unauthorised gathering has been planned in Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills today.

Police said a Form 1 was submitted on Wednesday, however, it was rejected.

"Without this authorisation, the event is not legally protected as an authorised assembly and individuals who choose to attend may be liable for obstruction and unlawful assembly offences," police said in a statement.

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"The NSW Police Force recognises that this is not a time for public gatherings that may heighten tension or create additional risks to community safety.

"Operation Shelter will coordinate a significant policing response to any large-scale public gatherings at this time."

Anyone planning to attend an unauthorised gathering is urged to reconsider, police said.

Minns is expected to recall NSW parliament next week to introduce the new protest laws and gun reforms.

The premier said earlier this week that the laws would see the police allowed to "declare a specific area where the public assemblies are restricted for a period of time" following a terrorism designation.

"That might be any part of the state or all over the state. No public assemblies in a designated area will be able to be authorised, including by a court," he told reporters.

"These are obviously extraordinary powers – not seen before in any jurisdiction in the country."

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