The Supreme Court has ruled a planned protest in Sydney’s CBD will not go ahead tomorrow.
Supreme Court Justice Des Fagan refused to authorise the public assembly and march planned for Sydney’s CBD tomorrow (Saturday 6 June 2020) due to health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19.
The initial plan for the Sydney event provided by the organisers indicated 50 people were expected to attend.
As expected attendee numbers rose in excess of 5000 people, NSW Police began to hold major concerns for the health and safety of the community.
An application to allow the protest to go ahead was subsequently heard in the NSW Supreme Court today (Friday 5 June 2020).
This evening, Justice Des Fagan refused the application for authorisation, meaning the protest cannot proceed lawfully.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said police would have a strong presence in Sydney’s CBD tomorrow to enforce the NSW Supreme Court decision.
“Police hold serious concerns about thousands of people gathering together in close proximity in the current health environment, as our priority is always community safety,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“The NSW Supreme Court has upheld these concerns this evening, and I strongly urge those considering attending to respect that decision.
“Police will have a strong presence tomorrow to ensure the law is obeyed.
“If people choose to disobey the Supreme Court ruling and attend the planned protest regardless, they need to be aware they are doing so unlawfully and police will respond accordingly.”
Anyone with information about unlawful activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
