NSW groups launch court challenge to laws restricting protests after terror attacks

Three groups have filed a constitutional challenge in the New South Wales Supreme Court against laws that limit police authorisation of protests for up to 90 days after terrorist incidents; NSW Police have extended a 14‑day public assembly restriction until 20 January.

Three groups have launched a constitutional challenge in the New South Wales Supreme Court against laws passed after the December Bondi attack that restrict police authorisation of protests following declared terrorist incidents. The co-applicants are the Blak Caucus, Palestine Action Group (PAG) and Jews Against the Occupation '48. The court summons argues the measures impermissibly burden the implied constitutional freedom of communication on government and political matters. The laws allow public assembly restriction declarations that can be extended for up to 90 days. Key facts: - The Blak Caucus, Palestine Action Group (PAG) and Jews Against the Occupation '48 filed the challenge in the NSW Supreme Court. - The applicants say the laws impermissibly burden the implied constitutional freedom of communication on government and political matters. - NSW Police extended a 14‑day public assembly restriction declared on Christmas Eve until 20 January, citing community safety concerns. - The NSW premier has called civil liberties concerns "overblown" and said the government is confident the laws will withstand a constitutional challenge. Summary: The court challenge contests the constitutional validity of protest restrictions introduced after the Bondi attack while officials say the measures address safety risks and have extended a temporary restriction. Undetermined at this time.