The NSW government has announced special arrangements for Israeli President Isaac Herzog's upcoming visit to Australia, including increased police powers and fines for noncompliance.
Premier Chris Minns said the provisions were "about keeping people safe, lowering the temperature and ensuring Sydney remains calm and orderly".
From Sunday, Herzog will make a five-day visit to Australia to meet with federal leaders and victims of the Bondi terror attack, where 15 people were killed and dozens more injured when two alleged gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration.
Protests are planned across Australian capitals and regional centres, including a major demonstration in Sydney on Monday night.
Minns said there would be a "significant security and logistical operation" in Sydney on Monday, with 3,000 police officers deployed, including 500 assigned to the protest.
"This is an important visit for our country, and it matters deeply to the Jewish community of New South Wales as they continue to mourn and recover from the horrific terrorist attack on 14 December," he said in a statement.
"We cannot allow a situation where mourners and protesters come into close contact on city streets without strong police presence."
Increased police powers under declaration
The visit has been declared a major event under the Major Events Act 2009, allowing police to put in measures to manage crowds and maintain separation between different groups to reduce the risk of confrontation.
Under the legislation, police are allowed to search any person who wishes to enter — or is already inside of — a designated major event area.
The law also contains provisions allowing for police to "limit the number of persons who may enter a major event area or any part of a major event area".
It also forbids the use of "indecent, obscene or threatening language" and any behaviour deemed "offensive or indecent" or which "cause[s] serious alarm or affront to a person by disorderly conduct".
Failure to comply with police directions could incur fines of up to $5,500 or exclusion from the major event area.
"These arrangements are not a ban on protests or marches. People retain the right to express their views lawfully," the NSW government said in a statement.
NSW Police minister Yasmin Catley said police would use the powers "carefully and proportionately, with the safety of the community as the clear priority".
Mixed response to Herzog's visit
Herzog was formally invited to Australia by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, following an earlier invitation from the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA).
His visit has been welcomed as a moment of "deep significance" by some groups, while others, including some Jewish Australians and pro-Palestinian groups, want the invitation rescinded.
The ZFA said it would host several major Jewish community events in Sydney and Melbourne during the visit.
"The Australian Jewish community is honoured to welcome President Herzog at a moment of deep significance," ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said.
The state government stressed its major event provisions were not a ban on protests or marches but were in place to support public safety during a "complex period" that involves multiple large gatherings and significant police presence.
NSW Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper said Sydney needed to "make sure we are striking the right balance".
"This visit matters deeply to many in our community. It offers them a chance to honour and grieve the victims of the Bondi terror attack.
"We need to be able to host international visitors, while still ensuring our city remains safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone."
Police warn of possible arrests
On Friday, NSW Police acting assistant commissioner Paul Dunstan urged Palestine Action Group, which is organising the Sydney rally, to reconsider the proposed route, which runs through the CBD from Town Hall to parliament.
"We do not want to be placed in a situation where we are at Town Hall on Monday with a significant number of people enforcing the declaration," he told reporters.
"That may and will easily result in arrests."
The protest organisers' previously announced route is prohibited under a declaration that allows the NSW Police commissioner to refuse to authorise public assemblies in key parts of the city, part of a suite of laws rushed through NSW parliament in the wake of the Bondi attack.
Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees has defended the group's choice of location.
"We assert our right to protest at Sydney Town Hall, because it is the most visible town square that we have in this city for a peaceful assembly and demonstration," he said.
"We will not be shunted off to some park — out of sight, out of mind — on a dark weeknight. That is not consistent with a genuine right to protest."
A group of 13 MPs, including four members of the Minns government, have also written to the state police commissioner, urging him to allow the march to proceed.
"It is time for cool heads to prevail ... the role of state government is to ensure community safety," Labor backbencher and signatory to the letter Stephen Lawrence said.
"A safe, peaceful procession to parliament is achievable, I believe, and I call on police to truly and constructively engage with the organisers."
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
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