The NSW Police Commissioner has today extended a Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) announced last Christmas Eve.
The NSW Police Force Commissioner was granted power to temporarily declare public areas "restricted" from assemblies following a declared terrorist incident, under laws passed by the NSW Government on 24 December 2025.
Today's extension of the PARD is consistent with the original declaration and will restrict public assemblies in the South West Metropolitan, North West Metropolitan and Central Metropolitan policing areas for the next 14 days.
During this time, no public assemblies can be authorised under the Summary Offences Act 1988 and Form 1 applications for the authorisation of public assemblies will not be accepted.
Individuals who participate in a public assembly during this time will not have the protection of the Summary Offences Act with respect to obstructing traffic and pedestrians and may commit offences if they do. If a public assembly had been authorised prior to the declaration, the authorisation will be deemed to be revoked.
Gatherings are permitted but police may issue move on directions for people causing obstructions or behaving in an intimidatory or harassing manner, or people who might cause or be likely to cause fear in another person.
Police will also have authority to require removal, for identification purposes, of any face coverings worn by people suspected of committing offences.
The declaration was made this afternoon in consideration of the ongoing community safety impacts of further protests in the wake of the Bondi attack - which was declared a terrorist-incident at the time.
Commissioner Lanyon says this declaration extension will continue to enhance community safety and reduce community tension following the Bondi terror attack.
"NSW Police Force will continue to exercise these new powers responsibly and transparently. The extension declaration recognises that further protest activity at this time is likely to heighten tension, generate division in the community and present a risk to community safety," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"We remain committed to working alongside the Government and community leaders to ensure these measures are carried out in a way that strengthens safety and unity across our state."
Today's declaration extension will be reviewed within the next fortnight and can be further extended fortnightly for up to three months.
