Melbourne authorities face condemnation over handling of Gaza demonstrations as thousands peacefully protest in Sydney | Victoria political landscape.

The organizer of a pro-Palestine protest in Melbourne’s central business district claimed that demonstrators felt “traumatized and confused” after police blocked their path at King Street Bridge. Meanwhile, thousands in New South Wales were able to march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge without any such hindrances. Tasnim Sammak from Free Palestine Coalition Naarm stated that the police did not inform the organizers of their plan to block the bridge prior to the protest on Sunday. She further noted that around 25,000 people joined the protest, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and expressing solidarity against the ongoing starvation in the region. The use of force by Victoria Police was described as an overwhelming display, with police in riot gear and barricades set up on King Street Bridge. Protesters initially attempted to sit down at the site, with fellow organizer Mohammad Sharab urging the crowd to remain calm. The decision by authorities to shut down the bridge was criticized, with some attendees suggesting that this action inadvertently drew more attention to the protest. Police reportedly stood silently behind their shields, with a smaller group of protesters wearing masks and goggles continuing the action by stopping traffic, burning an Australian flag, and spray-painting slogans against the government. The police confirmed there were no arrests but are investigating an incident where an egg was allegedly thrown at an individual during the protest. The disparity in the handling of the protests in Melbourne and Sydney has sparked debate, with many questioning the motivations behind the heavier police presence in Melbourne. While the Sydney Harbour Bridge march was facilitated without major disruptions and with a positive atmosphere, the Melbourne protest faced a more forceful response, raising concerns about the rights of peaceful protestors. Legal experts have also critiqued the actions of law enforcement in both states, suggesting that anti-protest laws are leading to more aggressive policing and repression of peaceful demonstrations.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/04/victoria-police-criticised-for-gaza-protest-tactics-while-thousands-marched-freely-in-sydney-ntwnfb