The PANSW supports the position of NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Mark Speakman regarding the proposed rally to take place on the Harbour Bridge this weekend.
It has been reported that the Palestinian Action Group filed a Form 1 to notify the police of a march intended to take place on Sunday.
Police Association of New South Wales President Kevin Morton said that the NSW Government must prioritize the safety of the public and police officers involved in any such operation.
"The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a major arterial road where vehicles travel at 70 km per hour. The combination of protesters and vehicles traveling at those speeds is a recipe for disaster and a risk that this organisation cannot expose our members to."
"Make no mistake, based on risk, the entire Bridge would need to be closed, similar to the 75th Anniversary celebrations in 2007, which required an enormous policing response and months of planning. The safety of the community is paramount and the only way that this protest could take place safely would be to shut down the Harbour Bridge entirely, cutting off access to Sydney CBD and beyond.”
"To meet the operational response required, police would need to be moved from police stations all over the metropolitan area and diverted from their core duties."
"Over the last two years, significant resources have been dedicated to ensuring community safety during planned protests, and this cannot continue in its current format without affecting the community or police safety. I call on the Acting Commissioner to stand firm in denying this request as it sets a dangerous precedent for any other group wishing to do the same."
Media contact:
Elyssa King
PANSW Media Officer
0484 777 780 | media@pansw.org.au