Minns Under Fire for Opposing Sydney Bridge Protest

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New South Wales Premier Chris Minns faces internal criticism from Labor Members of Parliament for opposing a pro-Palestinian march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as the Palestine Action Group vows to proceed despite police objections.

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns is grappling with dissent within his own Labor Party over his stance against a pro-Palestinian march planned for the Sydney Harbour Bridge on August 2, 2025. The Palestine Action Group (PAG) insists on proceeding with the demonstration to protest the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, despite Minns and the NSW Police Service warning of public safety risks and logistical challenges. According to ABC News, Minns stated that closing the bridge, a critical infrastructure used daily by thousands, risks “significant inconvenience” and “real public safety concerns,” citing its rare closures for events like the 2023 World Pride march, which required months of planning.

Labor Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony D’Adam sharply criticized Minns, arguing that the premier prioritizes “traffic flow over the plight of starving children in Gaza,” as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. D’Adam, previously sacked as parliamentary secretary for criticizing police tactics at a pro-Palestinian rally, urged police to collaborate with PAG to find a suitable time for the march. Similarly, Labor MP Stephen Lawrence, a former barrister, warned that Minns’ opposition could escalate tensions, potentially endangering public safety. “In a free society, the state should rarely prevent mass protests,” Lawrence told ABC News, emphasizing the constitutional protection of political communication.

The NSW Police, led by Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna, have sought to block the march through the NSW Supreme Court, citing safety concerns, though negotiations with PAG continue, per SBS News. PAG organizer Josh Lees told The Guardian that Minns’ stance has fueled greater public resolve, predicting a larger turnout due to perceived government overreach. Minns, while acknowledging community concerns about Gaza, maintained that the bridge’s closure is impractical, referencing past disruptions like the October 2023 Opera House protest, which sparked controversy after antisemitic chants by a small group, as noted by The Age.

The internal Labor rift highlights broader tensions, with Opposition Leader Mark Speakman supporting Minns’ decision, arguing it prevents “chaos,” according to The Guardian. As the march looms, the debate underscores the challenge of balancing public order with protest rights.