Embattled Police Minister accused of lying to parliament over comments to Jewish community

Ms Catley is also accused of using offensive language when referring to Jewish Australians.

Embattled Police Minister Yasmin Catley has rejected accusations that she lied about whether she said the Jewish community should stay away from the CBD in the hours before Monday night’s pro-Palestinian protest where masked thugs yelled “f--k the Jews” and burned an Israeli flag.

Ms Catley is also accused of using offensive language when speaking about the Jewish community, an accusation she also denies.

Premier Chris Minns is now facing increasing calls to sack his under-fire Minister over the scandal.

In question time on Thursday, Ms Catley was asked by Coalition Police spokesman Paul Toole if she told any Jewish community leader that the community should “stay away from the CBD of Sydney’’ before the protest.

“No, I did not,” she said.

Police Minister Yasmin Catley on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire

The Coalition now claims that statement was a lie.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip pleaded with Ms Catley on Monday for police to keep protesters away from the Opera House, which was set to be lit in Israeli colours.

According to sources familiar with those discussions, Mr Ossip argued with Ms Catley about the security advice urging the community to stay out of the CBD and not attend the Opera House for their own safety.

Ms Catley rejected claims that she said the Jewish community should stay away.

“I relayed that police were concerned about the large crowd of demonstrators that was growing, and that it was volatile and there were continuing concerns that the situation could become dangerous,” she said in a statement.

According to the sources, Ms Catley also suggested the Opera House should not be lit up at all. “Maybe it’ll just be easier if we don’t light the opera house to protect you people,” she said – according to sources.

Ms Catley also rejected that claim.

Jewish leaders pleaded with Ms Catley to keep protesters away from the Opera House. Picture: NCA NewsWire

She said she asked the Jewish Board of Deputies “if they had concerns about the lighting of the Opera House”.

Ms Catley’s comments to parliament on Thursday appeared to be in direct contrast to an answer given just 24 hours earlier.

Asked on Wednesday Liberal Leader Mark Speakman if she personally told any Jewish leader that the community should stay out of the city, Ms Catley eventually said: “that advice was given in good faith”.

“It was offered in the interest of protecting the safety and the welfare of that community. It saddens me that what was meant to be a peaceful and solemn vigil by the Jewish community could not occur,” she said on Wednesday.

Pro-Palestine protesters congregated at Town Hall, then the Opera House, on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The nature of Ms Catley’s discussions with Mr Ossip were confirmed with several sources involved in communicating security advice with the community.

“I have credible information to suggest that the Minister herself directed the Jewish leadership to inform their community to stay out of the CBD on Monday, Liberal Attorney-General spokesman Alister Henskens told the Telegraph.

“On Thursday the Minister denied doing that. There is no other conclusion to draw other than that she has misled parliament,” he said.

Mr Ossip declined to comment on the private conversations when contacted, except to reiterate praise for the way the Premier handled the situation.