Sydney Extends Protest Restrictions After Deadly Bondi Attack — Two-Week Renewal

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has extended temporary restrictions on public assemblies and protest marches across Sydney's central, southwest and northwest metropolitan areas for another two weeks.

Background

The controls were first put in place on Christmas Eve following a major terrorist attack at Bondi that killed 15 people and wounded many others. Commissioner Lanyon said the measures are intended to give the community time to grieve and to help people feel safer while authorities manage security concerns.

What the Order Allows and Restricts

Authorities say peaceful gatherings remain permitted under the order. However, organisers cannot obtain formal police approval for marches or assemblies covered by this specific directive. Police are empowered to order people to move on if they obstruct traffic or pedestrians or if participants behave in ways deemed intimidating or likely to threaten public safety.

Civil liberties concerns: Critics — including the NSW Council for Civil Liberties — argue the restrictions unduly limit free expression and risk creating a climate of fear in affected communities. They warn such measures should be narrowly tailored and monitored to avoid long-term erosion of protest rights.

Duration And Oversight

The temporary restrictions may be renewed in successive two-week increments for up to three months from the initial order. Authorities say renewal decisions will reflect security assessments and community needs, while advocates call for transparency and clear criteria for any extensions.

As the debate continues, the government and civil society groups are expected to weigh public safety against the right to peaceful protest.