Sydney Mayor Clover Moore Calls Pro-Palestine Harbour Bridge March a ‘Powerful Symbol’

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Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore has endorsed a proposed pro-Palestine march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, calling it a “powerful symbol” if community support is strong, igniting debate over public safety and protest rights. The proposal, backed by some activists but opposed by the New South Wales (NSW) government, highlights tensions over managing demonstrations in a bustling city.

On July 29, 2025, Moore voiced support for the Palestine Action Group’s (PAG) plan to march across the iconic bridge, diverging from their usual central business district (CBD) route, as reported by The Guardian. She emphasized the democratic right to protest, stating it’s “paramount” but conditional on significant community sentiment. The PAG, initially planning the march for August 3, offered to delay it a week after NSW Premier Chris Minns warned of potential “chaos” and public safety risks, per ABC News. Minns’ Australian Labor Party (ALP) government has resisted the march, citing insufficient notice and disruption concerns, a stance critics argue prioritizes control over free expression.

Anthony D’Adam, a sacked ALP Member of Parliament (MP), dismissed Minns’ chaos claims, noting past bridge closures for events like the 2000 reconciliation march caused only minor inconvenience. “Police should work with PAG to facilitate this within weeks,” D’Adam told The Guardian, urging cooperation. Peter Moss from Labor Friends of Palestine echoed this, arguing the bridge’s symbolic weight matches the issue’s gravity, given global outcry over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. PAG claims the march, dubbed a “March for Humanity,” aims to protest alleged starvation policies in Gaza, pointing to the bridge’s history of closures for significant causes.

The proposal has sparked polarized reactions. Supporters on X, like @Sydney4Palestine, see it as a bold stand against injustice, while others warn of traffic gridlock and safety risks. Critics question the ALP’s reluctance to accommodate, suggesting it reflects broader hesitancy to address contentious global issues. As Sydney grapples with balancing protest rights and public order, Moore’s endorsement amplifies the debate. The outcome hinges on whether police and PAG can agree on a timeline, leaving residents to weigh the cost of disruption against the call for solidarity.