NSW Premier Faces Backlash Over Proposed Ban on Pro-Palestine Protests

Chris Minns argues the financial burden of policing protests justifies allowing police to deny permits, sparking criticism from advocacy groups.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has proposed making it easier for police to deny permits for pro-Palestine protests, citing a $5 million cost in policing them.
Islamic leaders and advocacy groups, including the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network, have criticized Minns' stance, claiming it undermines democratic rights.
The Premier's comments followed a year of weekly protests in Sydney, which he argues strain police resources needed for other duties.
Critics, including union leaders and civil liberties advocates, warn that imposing financial barriers on protests threatens fundamental democratic freedoms.
The proposal has sparked concerns about social cohesion, with some leaders accusing Minns of inflaming community tensions rather than addressing constituent concerns.