The march, which occurred on Sunday, was permitted to proceed after the NSW Supreme Court overturned an NSW police decision to deny a permit on public safety grounds. Initial police estimates put the crowd at 90,000, while rally organizers claimed the number was closer to 300,000.
Several NSW state MPs, including Energy Minister Penny Sharpe and frontbencher Jihad Dib, joined the protest. The protest has highlighted Minns’ orchestration of his stance with the News Corp media and talkback radio, rather than align with his own party, according to a member of the right faction who wishes to remain anonymous.
Minns’ approach towards protests has also sparked tension within different factions of the Labor party. Despite the massive turnout showing significant public concern about the situation in Gaza, Minns insisted that public safety was his priority and that he acted accordingly.
The march was originally scheduled to occur later in the month, but the timing was moved forward, causing last-minute arrangements by the NSW police. Minns stated that he has no plans to appeal against Justice Belinda Rigg’s ruling, which allowed the protest to proceed. He also hinted at potential future legislation regarding protests on the bridge.
Greens MLC Sue Higginson criticized Minns, suggesting that he should begin listening to the dissent within his party and that he possesses no legal authority to block protests as the courts have confirmed.
