Prince Alfred Park: NSW police urge people not to attend ‘unauthorised’ Sydney rally

New South Wales police are urging Sydneysiders not to attend an “unauthorised” protest planned for today.

“Police are aware of an unauthorized gathering planned for Prince Alfred Park today (Sunday, 21 December 2025) and urge people not to attend,” the police statement said.

They said the organizer submitted the relevant form on Wednesday but this was not supported by the police. Subsequent negotiations also failed.

“As a result, the organizer did not obtain permission for the meeting under Section 4 of the Summary Offenses Act 1988,” they said.

“Without this authorization the event is not legally protected as an authorized assembly and those who choose to attend may be held liable for obstruction and unlawful assembly.

“NSW Police Force recognizes that this is not the time for public gatherings that could escalate tensions or create additional risks to community safety.

“Operation Shelter will currently coordinate a significant police response to large-scale public gatherings. Anyone planning to attend these unauthorized events is asked to reconsider.”

It comes after NSW Premier Chris Minns appealed to protesters this morning.

“I believe that in many cases, when you see violent images, hateful slogans and chants on the steps of the Opera House, in our parks or in our community, it unleashes forces that those organizing the protests cannot control,” Mr Minns told the ABC.

“Whatever the reasons for these protests and whatever genuine grievances or concerns there may be about what is happening abroad, my responsibilities in Sydney today and unfortunately we have to do everything we can to ensure we have a quiet summer and bring the community together.

“I don’t think that can happen if we have massive, massive protests in the heart of the city, which, in my view, will rip and tear the scar tissue that heals in just seven days.”