Organisers of a rally to demand an external investigation, apologies and compensation for alleged police brutality at the Sydney Mardi Gras say they have not sought police permission for tonight's rally, because they are unable to do so without a week's notice.
'You need seven days for that so we didn't do that...we weren't able to give the proper notice - we shouldn't really have to', organiser Cat Rose told SBS.
Demonstrators will march from Taylor Square in Darlinghurst to the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills about 6pm (AEDT) on Friday night.
Police said the group which organised tonight's protest, Community Action Against Homophobia, have not sought formal approval to conduct a lawful protest but have indicated the proposed route and timing.
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"We have approached protest organisers in the spirit of co-operation to ensure a safe and secure environment in which protest activities can take place," Surry Hills Local Area Commander Superintendent Tony Crandell said.
"At this stage there has been little willingness from organisers to meet with us."
But Rose said her group, Community Action Against Homophobia, was not unwilling to cooperate and that she had spoken to police a number of times on the phone.
"I spoke to a gay and lesbian liaison officer last night and she said everything was OK on their end."
She said the group wanted to protest on Friday - not later - in order to act on the moment.
'It's a shame we couldn't submit the paperwork but that's the way the legislation works', Rose said.
Politicians and community groups called for an inquiry after a video emerged that appeared to show a handcuffed 18-year-old, Jamie Jackson, being thrown to the ground by an officer at the festival. The incident allegedly occurred at about 11.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday.
It is understood Mr Jackson has been charged with assaulting police and an internal police investigation has been launched.
NEW VIDEO
More video which surfaced on Thursday appears to show the moments leading up to the recording which caused the intial furore.
In the video, which aired on Channel Nine on Thursday, Mr Jackson appears to exchange punches with police officers, while kicking one officer in the face from his position on the ground.
FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS
Police have also launched two more internal investigations after complaints had been made into two other separate incidents relating to alleged misconduct by police at the festival.
Crandell said police respect the democratic right to peaceful protest and are mindful that a number of participants are prominent members of the gay community with whom police have good relations.
Traffic disruptions are expected in and around Oxford, Pelican, Goulburn and Riley streets between 6pm and 8pm today (Friday March 8) because of the protest and motorists are being urged to avoid the area.
