NSW Police have initiated legal proceedings to prevent approximately 10,000 pro-Palestine demonstrators from marching to the steps of the Sydney Opera House. The protest, organized by the Palestine Action Group, is scheduled for October 12, marking the second anniversary of Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.
Today, NSW Police filed an action in the Supreme Court, citing public safety concerns as the primary reason for opposing the demonstration. “I’ve instructed the Office of General Counsel to lodge this matter in the Supreme Court, objecting to this particular public assembly at the Opera House,” stated NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna during a press briefing.
Public Safety Concerns
Assistant Commissioner McKenna emphasized that the police are not opposed to protests in general. However, he expressed concerns about the Opera House’s capacity to safely accommodate such a large crowd. “It’s not a matter of us not wanting them to have a public assembly. It’s not even a matter about it being at the Opera House itself. It’s about public safety,” he explained.
The Opera House, according to McKenna, has specific development application and engineering requirements that limit the number of people it can safely host. “They have to have an ability in an emergency to get people out of that location safely,” he added.
Historical Context and Previous Challenges
This legal action follows a previous attempt by NSW Police to block a similar protest across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in August. The Supreme Court ruled against the police, and they had to facilitate a historic crowd of between 100,000 to 300,000 people marching across the iconic landmark.
Despite this setback, McKenna defended the current court action. “Every case has its own merits in the Supreme Court, and every time we go there, we are looking at the particulars of the case in front of us,” he said. “The Sydney Harbour Bridge can take a lot more people than the forecourt of the Opera House.”
Ongoing Negotiations and Public Response
NSW Police are reportedly in talks with the Palestine Action Group to consider alternative routes for the protest. However, the group has already promoted the event on social media, urging supporters to join their “next massive mobilisation” to demand an end to the violence in Gaza.
“On 12 October 2025, the Palestine Action Group will march on the Sydney Opera House, joining cities and towns across Australia to demand immediate sanctions on Israel and an end to the arms trade,” the group stated on social media. “The people of this country are united in saying: enough is enough.”
The Opera House has previously served as a backdrop for anti-war protests. In 2003, hundreds gathered there, projecting “no war” onto the sails to protest Australia’s involvement in the Iraq war.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether the protest proceeds as planned or if an alternative arrangement will be necessary. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between public safety concerns and the right to protest, a delicate balance that authorities and organizers must navigate.
As the date approaches, both sides remain firm in their positions. The NSW Police continue to prioritize safety, while the Palestine Action Group remains committed to their cause, seeking to amplify their message on a national stage.
