NSW Police is trying to outlaw a proposed Black Lives Matter protest in Sydney after a chorus of criticism from federal and state frontbenchers.
The challenge will be heard in the Supreme Court on Friday afternoon, with NSW Police seeking to an injunction to halt Saturday’s protest.
“All of us have given up so much and worked so hard to make sure we get on top of the virus,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Friday.
Ms Berejiklian said the protest initially proposed by the Black Lives Matter organisers was far smaller than that which was likely to occur in Sydney’s CBD on Saturday.
She echoed the concerns of state authorities from across Australia that mass protests risked sparking a second wave of coronavirus infections.
She also said protesters could not guarantee social distancing protocols would be followed if thousands of people turned up.
Federal and NSW frontbenchers, the state opposition and even Prime Minister Scott Morrison have questioned the wisdom of conducting protests while mass gatherings remain restricted.
Melbourne ‘no different’ in hosting a solidarity rally
Victoria’s chief health officer has urged people not to attend a similar rally planned for outside state parliament in Melbourne’s CBD on Saturday.
Professor Brett Sutton said the rally – for which 40,000 people have registered an interest – “carries real risks for all Victorians, particularly those in vulnerable groups”.
But Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance organiser Meriki Onus said indigenous communities believed the cause trumped that concern.
“We think that this is an essential service to stand up for an Aboriginal person’s right to life, and also stand in solidarity with George Floyd and the more broader Black Lives Matter movement in the US,” she told ABC Melbourne on Friday.
Organisers would work with health services to distribute masks and hand sanitiser before and during the event.
Advice sought on legal status
Queensland’s Deputy Premier is seeking advice about the legality of the protest planned for Brisbane on Saturday.
Strict limits on public gatherings remain in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Queensland, with a public health directive limiting outdoor events to 20 people.
Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles said he understood some would want to march in support of Mr Floyd, and the Black LIves Matter movement.
Go ahead in South Australia
The South Australian police commissioner has granted permission for a Black Lives Matter protest to proceed in Adelaide.
Up to 4000 people are expected to gather in Victoria Square on Saturday before marching through the city.
Commissioner Grant Stevens said the exemption would allow the event to go without breaching COVID-19 restrictions. Those taking part were urged to be mindful of their own health and the health of others.