Protesters challenge NSW anti-protest laws after Bondi attack
Protesters will launch a constitutional challenge against laws restricting protests during certain terrorist incidents, with a Labor MP saying the proposed legislation is disproportionate.
During discussions on the Government’s Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025,
Labor MP Anthony D’Adam said the link between words and actions was “weak” and “difficult to establish”.
The omnibus bill was introduced by the Minns government following the Bondi terrorist attack that killed 15 people. He proposes outlawing slogans such as “globalize the intifada,” commonly heard during pro-Palestinian protests, and restricting protest rights after terrorist incidents.
Labor MLC Anthony D’Adam (left) questioned the need for proposed legislation restricting protest activity in the wake of terror attacks.
Joined by Greens MP Sue Higginson and a chorus of other groups on Tuesday morning, Palestine Action Group spokesman Josh Lees said the laws would remove the right of “everyone in NSW to come together as a community” and demand change.
“This is the latest in Chris Minns’ knee-jerk, undemocratic anti-protest laws, which have been re-passed based on a series of lies and misinformation, and the outrageous association of this horrific anti-Semitic attack on Bondi with the protest movement,” Lees said. he said.
During his contribution to the debate, Labor MP Anthony D’Adam expressed concerns about elements of the bill. He said attempts to restrict chanting during protests were a “fool’s errand”.
The Labor supporter, who was sacked as deputy minister for criticizing police treatment of Palestinian demonstrators, said it was difficult to see how certain words or symbols could “lead to a range of actions”.
“Arguments around a line of causation that extends beyond these two individuals are intended to absolve these perpetrators of some level of responsibility for their criminal actions. I don’t think we should do that,” he said.
“What is the purpose of banning protest? It seems that what we are actually objecting to are slogans and posters… It seems to me that banning all forms of protest activity is not proportionate.”
