One Nation figures Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson have renewed calls for public action in Sydney, even as police and the NSW government warn against unauthorised gatherings during a day of reflection for the victims of last week’s Bondi terror attack.
Joyce used social media to urge supporters to join an anti-immigration rally in central Sydney, questioning whether Australians would “talk the platitudes and walk on to tomorrow” or confront what he described as the underlying problem.
Hanson echoed the sentiment, calling for unity while urging Australians not to import overseas conflicts, saying the country “deserves better than this”.
Their comments came as the NSW Police Force confirmed it was aware of an unauthorised gathering planned for Prince Alfred Park on Sunday and urged people not to attend. Police said an application for the event was not approved and negotiations with organisers failed, meaning the assembly was not legally protected. Attendees could face offences including obstruction and unlawful assembly.
Police warned the timing was especially sensitive, with Sunday marking a day of reflection for the 15 people killed in the Bondi attack. A significant policing response will be coordinated under Operation Shelter if large crowds gather.
NSW Premier Chris Minns appealed directly to those considering attending the rally to stay away, saying the state needed calm as communities mourn. “Don’t do it. Don’t go ahead with it right now – people are burying their dead,” Minns told Nine’s Today program, noting the Jewish community was coming together to grieve.
Minns confirmed new legislation would be introduced on Monday to ban large protests in the immediate aftermath of a terror attack and warned that with no authorised applications for mass gatherings, anyone blocking roads would be breaking the law.
Australians have been invited to light a candle at 6.47 pm on Sunday and observe a minute’s silence to mark one week since the attack at Bondi Beach. Flags will fly at half-mast, and landmarks will be illuminated as part of the National Day of Reflection.
The premier has also announced a state-led royal commission into the attack, saying an independent investigation was necessary and that he would consult Jewish community leaders before finalising the terms of reference.
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