The NSW Government is urging calm, respect and cooperation as Sydney prepares for the visit of the Israeli President next week, with special arrangements in place to support public safety during a period of heightened activity in the city.
The visit is an important one for Australia and holds deep significance for the Jewish community of New South Wales as they continue to mourn and recover from the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December.
To help manage the visit safely and responsibly, the NSW Government has declared the President's visit to be a major event under the Major Events Act 2009.
This allows police to put appropriate measures in place to manage crowd safety, maintain separation between different groups, and reduce the risk of confrontation in busy parts of the city.
These arrangements are not a ban on protests or marches. People retain the right to express their views lawfully.
However, the Government is clear that we cannot allow a situation where mourners, visitors and protesters are brought into close proximity in a way that risks conflict, violence or public disorder.
The focus of these measures is simple: keeping people safe, lowering tensions, and ensuring Sydney remains calm and orderly during a complex period that involves multiple large gatherings, increased visitors and significant police activity.
For the duration of the visit, NSW Police will have additional powers including directing people to move on where necessary, closing specific locations if required, and issuing lawful directions to prevent disruption or risk to public safety.
Anyone who fails to comply with lawful police directions may face penalties, including fines of up to $5,500 or exclusion from the major event area.
The Government is asking everyone to approach the coming days with patience and respect for others.
If you do not need to be in the city during peak periods on Monday afternoon and evening, people are encouraged to consider alternative arrangements where possible, recognising the scale of activity and movement underway.
Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:
"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."
"There will be a significant security and logistical operation in Sydney on Monday afternoon and we cannot allow a situation where mourners and protesters come into close contact on city streets without strong police presence.
"This is about keeping people safe, lowering the temperature and ensuring Sydney remains calm and orderly."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley:
"NSW Police are highly experienced in managing major events and will use these powers carefully and proportionately, with the safety of the community as the clear priority."
"The NSW Government is committed to backing police with the powers they need to keep people safe and these measures are designed to do exactly that."
"We expect people to follow police directions and if someone chooses to break the law or ignore police instructions, police will respond."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper:
"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 make sure we are striking the right balance. We need to be able to host international visitors, while still ensuring our city remains safe, welcoming and respectful for everyone."
