‘Extraordinary times’: NSW Police extend protest ban for extra 14 days after Bondi terror attack

A ban on public protests and rallies in NSW has been extended for a further 14 days, with Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon declaring these were “extraordinary times”.

Mr Lanyon said the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration first announced on Christmas Eve in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack would continue in the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan policing areas.

But he said the move was “not about stopping free speech”.

“We’re in extraordinary times. We saw the worst terrorist incident we’ve seen in New South Wales several weeks ago. This legislation has been passed to provide calm within the community. It’s about saying this is not a time for protest,” he said.

“This is not a time for taking action. It’s about the community seeking peace. This does not seek to stop free speech.”

Mr Lanyon said the decision to extend the protest ban was his and that he had not consulted the Premier, although it had been agreed to by the Police Minister.

The order means that in the next 14 days no public assemblies will be authorised and people who participate in a public assembly risk committing an offence.

“If a public assembly had been authorised prior to the declaration, the authorisation will be deemed to be revoked,” a police statement said.

“Gatherings are permitted but police may issue move on directions for people causing obstructions or behaving in an intimidatory or harassing manner, or people who might cause or be likely to cause fear in another person.

“Police will also have authority to require removal, for identification purposes, of any face coverings worn by people suspected of committing offences.”

Mr Lanyon said any further extension to the ban would be assessed, taking into account behaviour over the next 14 days, whether there had been any unauthorised assemblies and the circumstances at the time, within the next 14 days.

“NSW Police Force will continue to exercise these new powers responsibly and transparently. The extension declaration recognises that further protest activity at this time is likely to heighten tension, generate division in the community and present a risk to community safety,” Mr Lanyon said.

“We remain committed to working alongside the Government and community leaders to ensure these measures are carried out in a way that strengthens safety and unity across our state.”