NSW premier resists calls for pro-Palestinian 'March for Humanity' on Sydney Harbour Bridge
Palestine Action Group Sydney proposed the march for Sunday, August 3, to address the "extraordinary situation" in Gaza.
It said it chose the bridge as "Australia's most iconic symbol" to send a "powerful message to the world".
"Thousands of aid trucks remain stranded at crossings outside Gaza, as Israel starves the Palestinian population," a spokesperson said.
More than 100 humanitarian agencies have warned the strip was facing mass starvation due to Israeli restrictions on essentials and aid.
Palestinian health authorities said 133 people had died from starvation in the last week, including 87 children.
Rallies in support of the Palestinian people have drawn thousands across the country since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel has denied its actions have caused a starvation crisis, and instead blames Hamas for creating the situation.
Premier Chris Minns said the NSW government could not "support the protest of this scale and nature" on the bridge on a week's notice.
"The bridge is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in our city — used every day by thousands of people," he said.
"Unplanned disruption risks not only significant inconvenience, but real public safety concerns.
"We cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos."
Palestine Action Group Sydney said there was "nothing chaotic about people marching for peace, to stop mass starvation".
"If the premier says we need more time to plan such an event, then would he agree to support the 'March for Humanity' a week later?
"We call on NSW authorities to work with us to plan this event and stand on the right side of history."
A spokesperson for the group added it had lodged a form with police for its intentions with the "March for Humanity".
NSW Police said it was aware of the proposed planned assembly and was "consulting relevant stakeholders".
Mr Minns added that the force "were in discussions with organisers about other routes they can take" and were "working to ensure community safety is upheld".
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman acknowledged the situation was tragic but said the bridge "belongs to everyone".
"I can understand people have sincere and passionate views about what is happening in the Middle East, which whichever way you look at it, it is a tragedy," Mr Speakman said.
"The failure to release hostages is a tragedy, the initial terrorist attack is a tragedy … and what is happening to innocent people in Gaza is a tragedy."
But Mr Speakman said there were "plenty" of alternative ways to protest and "other venues where the protesters can march".
"Absolutely they should not be taking over the harbour bridge," he said.
NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson said on Monday the party endorsed the march and that it was "time for action".
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