The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, faces criticism for allegedly contributing to division and provoking confrontation after residents on Pine Street in Lismore were reportedly attacked and victimized early on Saturday morning. The incidents have been described as “vigilante attacks” by a local state MP, who has called on Minns to promote calm and retract his stance on demolishing homes in the area.
The New South Wales Police confirmed they were alerted to Pine Street at 2:15 am on Saturday due to reports of malicious damage. The forces investigate claims that individuals performed burnouts, harassed residents, and damaged vehicles before leaving the scene in a black four-wheel drive vehicle. Video footage of the alleged attacks, which the Guardian has viewed, shows an individual attempting to break a car windshield while someone is inside, a person throwing a metal object from a moving car, fireworks being hurled from a vehicle, and a ute performing doughnuts in the street.
The controversy surrounds six homes in Pine Street, which were purchased by the New South Wales Reconstruction Authority following the disastrous floods of 2022 that destroyed 4,000 homes. These properties have been occupied by a group of dozens of squatters, triggering community unrest. On Tuesday, Minns announced on 2GB radio his intentions to demolish these homes, claiming that “overseas visitors, tourists, backpackers” are misusing the empty condemned properties, thereby endangering people’s safety.
Critics, including NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson, argue that Minns’ statements have exacerbated tensions and emboldened those opposed to the occupation of these properties. Higginson has urged Minns to take responsibility for his words and actions, which she claims have sown a level of impunity and fear among the community. ThePremier’s office has chosen not to comment on the matter.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/16/minns-accused-of-fuelling-division-after-lismore-residents-allegedly-harassed-on-squatters-street-ntwnfb
