Pro-Palestine protesters plan first-ever march across Sydney Harbour Bridge
In a statement, the Palestine Action Group said on Sunday it had filed a Form 1 notifying NSW Police of the 'March for Humanity' set to take place at 1pm on August 3.
The group called on NSW authorities to 'facilitate' the march, which is in response to the 'extraordinary situation' in Gaza, including mass civilian starvation.
'As Australia's most iconic symbol, a mass march across the Harbour Bridge will send a powerful message to the world,' the Palestine Action Group said.
That message, the group said, would be to 'Gaza, to Israel, and to our own government, that we are determined to stand up for humanity'.
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Pro-Palestine protestors have rallied almost weekly since October 7, 2023. NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone
Credit: News Corp Australia
The protest is likely to face stiff opposition, with then-NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously applying to the Supreme Court to stop a pro-Palestine event.
The vigil, held on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks, was ultimately given the green light after a court hearing and 11th-hour discussions with protesters.
In NSW, protesters do not need formal approval from police to hold a legal rally following the filing of a Form 1 – but police can oppose it through the court system.
The Harbour Bridge is a major thoroughfare in Sydney, but has been closed several times in recent years, including for the filming of the movie Fall Guy.
The bridge was also shuttered in 2023 for a World Pride Month march attended by Anthony Albanese.
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Sydney Harbour Bridge has been the site of several protests. NewsWire / Damian Shaw
Credit: News Corp Australia
In 2000, the bridge was the site of the Walk For Reconciliation, a rally showing support for Indigenous and non-Indigenous reconciliation attended by 250,000 people.
'It can certainly be closed to stop a genocide,'organisers said.
The Palestine Action Group said protesters planned on meeting at Lang Park, near Wynyard station, at 1pm before marching to the bridge.
The event marks almost two years of protests following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent war on Gaza.
Last week, the Prime Minister accused Israel of 'clearly' breaching international law, but fell short of joining ally France in recognising a Palestinian state.
NSW Police has been contacted for comment.
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"If the government's position was that they need an extra week or two to plan this event, then of course we would welcome that," he said. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has also said the protest should not take place on the bridge. "There are plenty of other venues where the protesters can march," Mr Speakman said. The Police Association of NSW has supported the two political leaders, with president Kevin Morton calling for the acting commissioner to deny the application. "The combination of protesters and vehicles travelling at those speeds is a recipe for disaster and a risk that this organisation cannot expose our members to," he said in a statement on Tuesday. The action group has received support from other organisations over the protest, and expects more than 50,000 people to attend, Mr Lees said. An alternative location should be found before Sunday but if the community sentiment is significant enough to warrant the use of the bridge, the government should work with organisers to plan for its use, Sydney Mayor Clover Moore said on social media. "It would be an incredibly powerful symbol for our most iconic landmark to be the site of a demonstration against starvation in Gaza and in favour of lasting peace," she said. The bridge has previously been shut for separate demonstrations including the 2000 march for reconciliation which attracted more than 250,000 people. The World Pride march and a film production also closed the bridge in 2023.
