Latest news with #Lees
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Sydney Harbour Bridge protest: How serial pest Josh Lees - who has never found a fringe protest movement he didn't support (including HARSHER Covid lockdowns!) - is behind push to shut down landmark for Palestine
A pro-Palestine demonstration that would shut down the Sydney Harbour Bridge is being led by a serial protester whose obsession with public rallies has spanned more than 20 years and earned him the reputation of a 'full-time pain in the a**'. Josh Lees wants to lead Australians in marching over the city's most famous landmark at a week's notice this Sunday in a 'Pro-Palestine March for Humanity' - a move opposed by Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Police Force. Since October 7, 2023 - when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, taking ore than 250 hostages and killing 1,200 people - Mr Lees, 43, has spearheaded weekly protests in Sydney, where he often addresses the crowd in a keffiyeh - a traditional form of scarf and headwear which has become a symbol of support for Palestine. Mr Lees has been adamant that Sunday's march will go ahead - boasting that the proposed rally has garnered the support of more than 150 organisations - despite police blocking the plan, citing public safety risks and major traffic disruption. Mr Lees has a long history of activism and was once branded by 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham as a 'full-time pain in the a**' who had 'a finger in as many protest pies as he can handle'. He has spent more than two decades protesting for a myriad of causes ranging from supporting refugees and LGBTQ rights, opposing the Iraq War and backing stricter Covid lockdowns. He first made headlines in Green Left Weekly as a university tutor charged with resisting arrest at a voluntary student unionism protest. In the early 2000s, he took to the streets to protest the Iraq War and then-prime minister John Howard's refugee policies. He was one of dozens of protesters arrested for camping out in Martin Place in 2011 for the Occupy Sydney movement which rallied against economic inequality. That protest push was inspired by Occupy Wall Street - but quickly petered out. That same year, he led refugee advocates during a rally outside Immigration Department offices after legislation to implement offshore processing of asylum seekers passed federal parliament. 'These are outrageous policies which are going to take us back, not even just to the dark days of the Howard years, these policies are even more cruel than the Howard Pacific Solution,' Mr Lees told ABC at the time. More recently, Mr Lees was a spokesman for the Lockdown to Zero group, which campaigned for the NSW government to toughen its policies during the Covid pandemic to keep zero community transmission of the virus. Confusingly, he was also part of a Black Lives Matter protest during lockdowns in 2020 that defied Covid laws at the time preventing such gatherings. Mr Lees is also an activist for LGBTQ rights, climate change, anti-racism and recently took part in the National Day of Action Against Trump. He also writes for Red Flag, the newsletter of Socialist Alternative, a group that identifies as Australia's largest Marxist organisation. His most recent article was published on July 6, slamming Israel for portraying itself as the victim of its war with Gaza. 'The mainstream media and politicians' constant attempts to spin the story that Israel is the victim, the underdog, the state 'defending itself', are so out of touch with reality that they are becoming increasingly desperate and farcical,' he wrote. Mr Lees was hailed by Greens MP Sue Higginson to the Sydney Morning Herald as a justice warrior, while the city's Lord Mayor Clover Moore has described this Sunday's march as a 'powerful symbol'. But one man who definitely isn't part of the fan club is NSW Premier Chris Minns. He revealed last October that Lees had made applications to NSW Police every week for the past year to march through Sydney's CBD to protest Israel's bombing of Gaza. The police presence for the protests had cost taxpayers more than $5.4million in 2024 alone, according to Minns. In addition to overtime, the figure was estimated to be closer to $10million. Minns this week reignited his war of words with Mr Lees when he slammed this Sunday's proposed march. 'The NSW Government cannot support a protest of this scale and nature taking place on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, especially with one week's notice,' the premier said. 'The Bridge is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in our city—used every day by thousands of people. 'Unplanned disruption risks not only significant inconvenience, but real public safety concerns. 'We cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos.' Mr Lees hit back by accusing Minns of interfering in police operations. He pointed out that the bridge is often shut down for major events, including a World Pride march, filming of Hollywood movies and the upcoming Sydney Marathon. 'Compare the pair,' Mr Lees captioned maps showing the street closures the August 31 marathon and Sunday's march would each cause. He has hinted at a court challenge after NSW Police blocked the bridge protest from going ahead on Wednesday. 'The process now is if the police or the government want to stop us from doing it, they have to take us to the Supreme Court and if they do that, we'll fight that in court,' Mr Lees said. 'Hundreds are starving to death… the people of Australia, and NSW, have had enough of this atrocity and are determined to take a powerful stand to make it stop. 'We will see them in court.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Latest Palestine protest plan could be a bridge too far
A pro-Palestine group has accused political leaders of interfering in police operations over its plans to march across an iconic Australian landmark. The Palestine Action Group announced it would march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. But NSW Premier Chris Minns has opposed the move, saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Group spokesman Josh Lees has said the decision is not Mr Minns' to make ahead of negotiations with police. "Chris Minns is trying to interfere in police operations," he told AAP. The group was expected to hold discussions with police on Tuesday. "If the police do decide they want to oppose our Form 1 application to march over the bridge, then they are obliged to take us to the Supreme Court," Mr Lees said. "And if that happens, we'll fight them in court." The group lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration, Mr Lees said. "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. A pro-Palestine group has accused political leaders of interfering in police operations over its plans to march across an iconic Australian landmark. The Palestine Action Group announced it would march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. But NSW Premier Chris Minns has opposed the move, saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Group spokesman Josh Lees has said the decision is not Mr Minns' to make ahead of negotiations with police. "Chris Minns is trying to interfere in police operations," he told AAP. The group was expected to hold discussions with police on Tuesday. "If the police do decide they want to oppose our Form 1 application to march over the bridge, then they are obliged to take us to the Supreme Court," Mr Lees said. "And if that happens, we'll fight them in court." The group lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration, Mr Lees said. "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. A pro-Palestine group has accused political leaders of interfering in police operations over its plans to march across an iconic Australian landmark. The Palestine Action Group announced it would march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. But NSW Premier Chris Minns has opposed the move, saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Group spokesman Josh Lees has said the decision is not Mr Minns' to make ahead of negotiations with police. "Chris Minns is trying to interfere in police operations," he told AAP. The group was expected to hold discussions with police on Tuesday. "If the police do decide they want to oppose our Form 1 application to march over the bridge, then they are obliged to take us to the Supreme Court," Mr Lees said. "And if that happens, we'll fight them in court." The group lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration, Mr Lees said. "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. A pro-Palestine group has accused political leaders of interfering in police operations over its plans to march across an iconic Australian landmark. The Palestine Action Group announced it would march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. But NSW Premier Chris Minns has opposed the move, saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Group spokesman Josh Lees has said the decision is not Mr Minns' to make ahead of negotiations with police. "Chris Minns is trying to interfere in police operations," he told AAP. The group was expected to hold discussions with police on Tuesday. "If the police do decide they want to oppose our Form 1 application to march over the bridge, then they are obliged to take us to the Supreme Court," Mr Lees said. "And if that happens, we'll fight them in court." The group lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration, Mr Lees said. "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.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Latest Palestine protest plan could be a bridge too far
A pro-Palestine group has accused political leaders of interfering in police operations over its plans to march across an iconic Australian landmark. The Palestine Action Group announced it would march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. But NSW Premier Chris Minns has opposed the move, saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Group spokesman Josh Lees has said the decision is not Mr Minns' to make ahead of negotiations with police. "Chris Minns is trying to interfere in police operations," he told AAP. The group was expected to hold discussions with police on Tuesday. "If the police do decide they want to oppose our Form 1 application to march over the bridge, then they are obliged to take us to the Supreme Court," Mr Lees said. "And if that happens, we'll fight them in court." The group lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration, Mr Lees said. "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.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Latest Palestine protest plan could be a bridge too far
A pro-Palestine group has accused political leaders of interfering in police operations over its plans to march across an iconic Australian landmark. The Palestine Action Group announced it would march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday. But NSW Premier Chris Minns has opposed the move, saying he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos". Group spokesman Josh Lees has said the decision is not Mr Minns' to make ahead of negotiations with police. "Chris Minns is trying to interfere in police operations," he told AAP. The group was expected to hold discussions with police on Tuesday. "If the police do decide they want to oppose our Form 1 application to march over the bridge, then they are obliged to take us to the Supreme Court," Mr Lees said. "And if that happens, we'll fight them in court." The group lodged the application on Saturday in compliance with the required one-week notice for a demonstration, Mr Lees said. "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.
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Outback Killer' escapee Joanne Lees now after quitting UK and taking new name
Joanne Lees was thrust into the spotlight in 2001 when she survived an attack in the Australian outback that saw her boyfriend, Peter Falconio, murdered - here's what happened to her after In 2001, Joanne Lees became the focus of intense media attention after surviving a brutal attack while traveling with her boyfriend, Peter Falconio, who was murdered during their trip across the Australian outback. Their attacker, Bradley John Murdoch - better known as the "Outback killer" - has now died aged 67, taking details of his victim's body to his grave. Murdoch was previously diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 2019 and was transferred to a palliative care unit in Alice Springs Correctional Centre, in Northern Territory, Australia. The couple was driving through the remote outback late at night when another driver signalled them to pull over. According to Lees, then 28, Murdoch shot Falconio and attempted to tie her up, but she managed to escape, hiding in the grass for hours before flagging down a passing truck. Falconio's body was never recovered. Lees first came to public attention recounting the harrowing ordeal she endured with Falconio, her long-term partner whom she met in 1996. They had travelled extensively across Southeast Asia before spending five months in Sydney and planning their fateful road trip across Australia. After the attack, Lees' story divided public opinion, especially following the trial of Murdoch, who was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. During the trial, it emerged Lees had an affair with another British backpacker, Nick Reilly, in the months before Falconio's disappearance. The revelation, coupled with Lees' candid interview with Martin Bashir, sparked controversy. Speaking to Bashir, Lees admitted the affair was a mistake. "I did love Pete with all my heart," she said, "and when that happened I did overstep the boundaries of friendship, but it made me, like, love Pete even more and value what we did have." During the interview, she did not reveal whether she would have confessed to the affair if her emails weren't caught by police. In a police interview, she called the emails "irrelevant" despite Nick using a code name 'Steph' when they discussed meeting up in Berlin after the murder. Lees was criticised and branded suspicious for her demeanour during interviews and for altering parts of her statement, but she maintained that her interview with Bashir, for which she was paid £50,000, was meant to keep the case in the public eye. She also addressed other criticisms, such as the 'cheeky monkey' t-shirt she wore in the aftermath, explaining it was simply all she had with her at the time. She also denied being emotionless, saying she "wears her heart of her sleeve," adding: "Well, I do in the company of my mates." In 2006, Lees published her memoir No Turning Back, detailing her early life, including growing up in financial hardship with her late mother. She reportedly received a £25,000 advance for the book. Years later, Lees studied sociology at Sheffield University and is now a social worker. In 2017, she revealed she had discovered a half-sister named Jessica McMillan in Sydney, the daughter of Lees Australian father, who she is estranged from. The sisters quickly formed a close bond, with Lees seeking Australian citizenship to be nearer to Jess. In her book, Lees, who is now 51, did not share any details about her dad, but did say that she grew up in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, with her mother, Jennifer James, her stepfather Vincent James and step-brother Sam. "We didn't have much money but she worked hard to make sure I had a happy childhood," she wrote. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph in Australia, Lees described the reunion as 'almost like a mirror' and said it made her feel 'less alone in the world.' In an interview on Nine's 60 Minutes, Lees reflected on the impact of the tragedy, saying: 'Pete lost his life that night but I lost mine too. I'll never be fully at peace if Pete's not found, but I accept that that is a possibility." She even returned to the site of the attack to try to understand the mind of the attacker, driven by her enduring love for Peter.
