New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has made a public plea for calm, urging residents not to attend a planned anti-immigration rally in central Sydney. His appeal comes on a nationally declared Day of Reflection, honouring the victims of last week's Bondi Beach terror shooting.
Political Leaders at Odds Over Rally
While Premier Minns called for restraint, federal One Nation figure Barnaby Joyce has been actively encouraging people to attend the Sunday gathering. Mr Joyce criticised senior politicians, labelling them as "weak" and accusing them of imposing policy restrictions on law-abiding citizens in the attack's aftermath.
"They are bringing in new firearm restrictions and removal of rights for people who never were part of the mass murder of Bondi," Mr Joyce stated.
In a morning television appearance, Premier Minns delivered a starkly different message. "Don't do it. Don't go ahead with it right now - people are burying their dead," he said. He highlighted that the Jewish community was in a period of mourning, coming together to grieve significant losses.
Police Opposition and New Legislative Powers
NSW Police confirmed that organisers had applied for authorisation for the rally on Wednesday, but police formally opposed the application. Authorities warned that without this authorisation, the event is not a legally protected assembly.
Individuals who choose to attend may face charges for obstruction and unlawful assembly. A police statement emphasised that the current period is not a time for public gatherings that could increase community tension or safety risks.
This controversy unfolds as the federal government prepares to introduce new legislation to parliament on Monday. The proposed laws, a direct response to the Bondi attack, will ban large protests and give police greater powers. Specific chants, including "globalise the intifada," will be prohibited.
Police will also gain authority to demand protesters remove face coverings. Furthermore, publicly displaying the ISIS flag or symbols from other terrorist groups will carry severe penalties: up to two years in prison, an individual fine of $22,000, or a $110,000 fine for organisations.
Community Mourns as Victims Recover
The nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the horrific attack at Bondi Beach. The shooting occurred at 6.47pm on Sunday, December 14, during a Hanukkah celebration. Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire with long-arm rifles on those gathered for the Jewish festival.
The attack resulted in fifteen fatalities and left forty people injured. A week later, thirteen victims remain in hospital, with four of those in a critical condition.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared Sunday, December 21, a national Day of Reflection to honour those killed and injured and to show solidarity with the Jewish community. Australians were encouraged to light a candle at 6.47pm and observe a minute's silence.
Across the Illawarra region and nationally, communities have held vigils. Surf lifesavers and community members stood shoulder-to-shoulder for moments of silence, demonstrating a collective stance against violence and in support of those affected.
