Authorities and organisers are at odds over a planned protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with concerns raised about public safety and crowd management. Politicians are divided on whether the event should proceed at the iconic location.

Council of the City of Sydney

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

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A planned protest aiming to take place on the Sydney Harbour Bridge has prompted concerns from police and government officials regarding public safety, particularly the risk of crowd crush at the proposed meeting point. Organisers expect at least 50,000 attendees, regardless of whether the event is officially authorised. While some state MPs, including five from the Labor party, have called for the government to facilitate a safe and orderly event, no coalition MPs have supported the pledge. The Liberal leader has expressed sympathy for the cause but insists the protest should not be held on the bridge, citing logistical difficulties and public safety concerns. Police are reportedly preparing a significant presence, with suggestions that up to 700 officers may be involved, as discussions continue about alternative locations and dates for the demonstration.

Protesters, police go head to head over Harbour bridge march

A small but noisy taste of what protest organisers call an unstoppable tide of humanity that is going to descend and take back our bridge for this Sunday. Police are trying to declare the planned gathering unauthorised on the grounds of public safety concerned about crowd crush at the proposed meeting point. The court told at least 50,000 people could attend with or without approval. I recognise and the government recognises that there are thousands of people that want to be part of a protest. It's not deniable. What I'm hoping is that the organisers work with NSW Police on a route in the city. The Acting Commissioner not commenting on contingency plans. We'll cross that bridge when we go to it, pardon the pun. There are suggestions 700 officers are being prepared. Are the police really saying that they are going to storm in and arrest children, disabled people who are on our march? And potentially politicians. Five Labor members are among 15 state MPs who have signed their support calling on the government to facilitate a safe and orderly event on Sunday or on some other agreed date. Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich is one of the 15. The images of children and babies starving demands action. Sydney-siders and people across NSW want to take that action. No coalition MPs have signed the pledge. The Liberal leader sympathetic but adamant the protest should not be on the bridge. There are plenty of other locations in Sydney and NSW where protests can be undertaken. And they should not be taken on the Harbour Bridge. There are plenty of other places to go. So just to clarify, you're saying they should be taken this Sunday or ever on the bridge? Or ever. Or ever. No, I mean, I wouldn't make a blanket ruling in relation to that. There's been protests or community demonstrations in the past. Just to make the point, logistically it's hard to do.

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Moscow

Ukraine Invasion

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Washington

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Jerusalem

Israel's security cabinet approves plan to take over Gaza City

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Israel intends to take full control of Gaza, Netanyahu says

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Global Tariffs

Higher U.S. tariffs officially take effect

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New York

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State of Rio de Janeiro

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Fort Stewart

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Hiroshima

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Beijing

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Kyiv

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Beirut

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Ottawa

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Protesters, police go head to head over Harbour bridge march

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