NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon has announced a two-week extension to protest restrictions in the state.
Lanyon said the decision was made in consideration of community safety.
"We are still less than two months from what is the worst terrorist incident in New South Wales history," he said on Tuesday when announcing the extension.
"Today I have considered that there remains a significant risk to community safety by public assemblies and I have extended that declaration for a further 14 days."
The commissioner said the area covered by the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration remains the same — parts of Sydney, stretching from the inner-west to the CBD and the inner eastern suburbs, but excluding Hyde Park in the city.
The restrictions were first put in place after the 14 December Bondi terror attack, under laws passed by the NSW government on 24 December.
The original declaration covered a large area of Sydney and ran until 7 January. Restrictions have been extended twice.
Under the restrictions, new applications for public gatherings to be authorised will not be accepted for the designated areas. Gatherings are still permitted, but police may issue move-on directions.
Police also have the authority to require people suspected of committing offences to remove any face coverings.
"As you know, we've had numerous public assemblies over the past 14 days," Lanyon said.
"This declaration is not about restricting free speech. It's about balancing free speech with community safety."
He added the majority of the public gatherings since the new restrictions have been peaceful.
"Overwhelmingly, we are pleased with the actions and behaviours of protesters, however, a few continue to incite violence and cause fear and harm," he said.
"We respect and support everyone’s right to protest and we remain in discussions with protest organisers ensure their safety and the safety of the community."
Restrictions coincide with Isaac Herzog's visit
Lanyon acknowledged the extension means restrictions will be in place during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia from 8 to 12 February.
Asked by journalists if Herzog's visit was the reason for the extension of the protest restrictions, Lanyon said it was "certainly a factor".
"As I said, both on social media and in recent public assemblies, there has been significant animosity. To not do anything about that and to potentially put community safety at risk would be intolerable for me as the commissioner," he said.
"Obviously, what I fear is a large-scale public assembly with so much animosity could present a risk to community safety."
When asked whether there is any known threat to Herzog, Lanyon said the NSW Police Force was taking the security of the Israeli president seriously.
More than 3,000 police shifts will be operating during Herzog’s visit to ensure the safety of both the community and the Israeli president, Lanyon added.
"The president is here as an invitee of the Commonwealth government," Lanyon said.
"He is here to mourn and provide support to the Jewish Australian community, which were callously targeted at Bondi. It's important to remember that peace and showing respect is important at this time."
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