New South Wales judges rule expanded police powers unconstitutional
The highest court in New South Wales has overturned a controversial anti-protest law introduced after the deadly Bondi Beach attack, ruling that it violated constitutional freedoms.
According to local media reports, the Court of Appeal found that emergency measures granting expanded police powers to restrict demonstrations were unconstitutional and placed an excessive burden on the freedom of political communication.
The law had been introduced following the attack at Bondi Beach, which was described by authorities as a terrorist incident that left multiple people dead and injured.
Under the legislation passed in late 2025, police were allowed to restrict or effectively ban protests in parts of Sydney for up to 90 days. The court ruling now invalidates those expanded powers.
Chief Justice Andrew Bell and other judges said the law “impermissibly burdened” political communication rights protected under Australian law.
The decision has been seen as a setback for the government of Chris Minns and marks the second time in six months that similar protest restrictions have been struck down.
Supporters of civil liberties welcomed the ruling, seeing it as a reinforcement of democratic rights even in the aftermath of security crises.
Source: Newstimehub
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