Human Rights Watch Urges Minns to Allow Gaza Protest on Harbour Bridge

Human rights groups are lobbying for the march to go ahead.

Pro-Palestine protestors march outside the DNC Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

A coalition of human rights and civil society organisations is urging New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to back down from his opposition to a planned Gaza protest march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Set for Aug. 3 and organised by the Palestine Action Group, the protest aims to draw attention to Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, including the effects of Israel’s blockade and the growing threat of famine.

In a letter sent on July 31, Human Rights Watch and 47 other groups urged the premier to reassess his position.

“We strongly urge you to reconsider opposing the march and instead work with assembly organisers to facilitate the exercise of the democratic right of protest,” the letter stated.

Among the signatories are the Australian Council of Social Service, Community Legal Centres NSW, the Australian Services Union NSW ACT, and the NSW Council for Civil Liberties.

The letter pointed to legal protections under Australia’s Summary Offences Act and international obligations around peaceful protest.

Bridge Closures Are Nothing New, Groups Say

The letter also highlighted the Harbour Bridge’s long history as a platform for civic action.

These include past government-approved closures, such as the 2000 Walk for Reconciliation and the 2023 World Pride march, both of which disrupted traffic during peak hours.

This protest, by contrast, is scheduled for midday and would be shorter in duration.

“Government agencies have previously facilitated closures for film shoots and community events; protests should be treated no differently,” the letter said.

Minns Defends Protest Ban Citing Safety Concerns

Premier Minns has pushed back, saying the government could not support such a protest with only a week’s notice.

“The bridge is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in our city … unplanned disruption risks not only significant inconvenience, but real public safety concerns,” he said in a statement, warning against allowing Sydney to “descend into chaos.”

NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna said police have proposed alternative locations for the protest march.

“I’m sympathetic to their cause, as we always are … but public safety will take precedence,” McKenna told 2GB.

Organisers Say the March Is Still On

Despite government resistance, the Palestine Action Group says the protest will go ahead.

“We are still marching on Sunday,” the group posted on social media on July 30, branding the event a “March for Humanity.”

Organisers said the demonstration was a symbolic step to “save Gaza” and accused Israel of committing genocide.