Hundreds Rally in Sydney Against Proposed Changes to Protest Laws
About 300 people gathered at Sydney Town Hall on 22 December 2025 to protest proposed changes to protest laws and express support for Palestine. The rally took place ahead of a bill expected to pass the next day with Liberal support, which would restrict rallies for up to three months following terror attacks, effectively banning protests during that period. The demonstration followed the recent Bondi beach terror attack. At least 13 police officers were present and one arrest was made for shouting at protesters. Participants observed a minute of silence for the victims of the Bondi attack and chanted slogans supporting Palestine and opposing the proposed bans. Sara Saleh, a human rights lawyer of Palestinian heritage, addressed the crowd, condemning the attack and emphasizing that no child should die, while reaffirming support for Palestinian rights. Adam Adelour, a rally organiser, explained that "intifada" means uprising or revolution and cited it as a call to action against genocide. Many attendees wore keffiyehs and some wore face coverings; the legislation was expected to grant police greater powers to remove face coverings and other items at protests. Greens MP Amanda Cohn spoke emotionally about reforms needed to protect vulnerable people, while some attendees expressed fears that future laws might prevent their gatherings. NSW Premier Chris Minns warned that chanting could breach state law and would be banned in 2026. The rally came a day after Barnaby Joyce led an anti-immigration protest, reflecting broader dissent regarding protest rights in New South Wales.
