New South Wales bans public gatherings for two weeks after anti-protest law passes

The Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has banned all public gatherings for two weeks after passing controversial anti‑protest legislation in response to the December 14 mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney. NSW Police announced the temporary prohibition, stating it has been empowered to declare public areas “restricted” under the new laws, which also allow officers to require the removal of face coverings for identification purposes.

Legal Powers and Duration

Under the temporary declaration, no public assemblies can be authorized, and any gathering will be considered unlawful. The ban, which took effect Wednesday, can be reviewed and extended every two weeks for up to three months. The measures were introduced alongside broader legislative changes that restrict mass protests for up to 90 days and impose stricter limits on firearm ownership, including a cap of four guns for recreational license holders and biennial license reviews.

Context of the Bondi Beach Attack

The new laws follow the Bondi Beach shooting, which occurred during a Hanukkah event and left 15 people dead and 42 injured. One suspected shooter was killed, and the other was critically wounded. In a separate incident, Australian authorities are investigating the firebombing of a vehicle with Hanukkah decorations in southeast Melbourne early on Christmas Day.

Criticism and Legal Challenge

The legislation has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups. The Palestine Action Group Sydney, The Blak Caucus, and Jews Against the Occupation '48 announced they will file a constitutional challenge against what they describe as “draconian anti‑protest laws.” The coalition accused the NSW government of exploiting the Bondi attack to suppress political dissent, particularly criticism of Israel, and curtail democratic freedoms.