Mark Latham back pro-Palestine Harbour Bridge march as organisers seek compromise

Mark Latham has thrown his support behind plans for a pro-Palestine march across the Harbour Bridge, after the NSW Premier warned Sydney could “descend into chaos”.

Embattled former Labor leader Mark Latham has thrown his support behind plans for a pro-Palestine march across the Harbour Bridge, after NSW Premier Chris Minns warned Sydney could “descend into chaos”.

The Palestine Action Group said on Sunday it had filled a Form 1 notifying police of the “March for Humanity”, set to take place at 1pm on August 3.

The group called on authorities to “facilitate” the march, which is in response to the “extraordinary situation” in Gaza, including mass civilian starvation.

In a statement, Mr Minns said that would not happen.

“The NSW government cannot support a protest of this scale and nature taking place on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, especially with one week’s notice,” he said.

“The bridge is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in our city – used every day by thousands of people.

“Unplanned disruption risks not only significant inconvenience but real public safety concerns.

“We cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos.”

Pro-Palestine protesters have rallied almost weekly since October 7, 2023. Picture: NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Mr Minns said police were in discussions with organisers on alternative routes and were “working to ensure community safety is upheld”.

The protest found an unlikely ally later that afternoon in independent MLC Mark Latham.

“From the start, I said people should not bring their Middle Eastern grievances to Australia,” Mr Latham said on X, formerly Twitter.

“But, after Chris Minns sucked up to the powerful Jewish lobby and legislated under false pretences (Dural caravan) to stop protests, this march is in large part a March for Free Speech.”

Mr Latham is currently facing a string of controversies and allegations he abused his ex-partner – claims he strenuously denies.

He has previously been accused of repeating anti-Semitic tropes, including by Mr Minns who in a spray in parliament called Mr Latham “Australia’s biggest bigot”.

On Sunday’s march, Mr Latham only added that: “Plus tragically, children are dying in Gaza.

“If my knee allows, I might just walk across the Bridge myself.”

The Palestine Action Group called for the NSW Government to work with them and “stand on the right side of history”.

In a statement, the group said: “If the Premier says we need more time to plan such an event, then would he agree to support the March for Humanity a week later.”

The protest group also disputed claims they were in talks with police about the event.

“BTW, NSW Police are NOT in any discussions with us, we are yet to be contacted by them or the Premier’s office,” they said.

Sydney Harbour Bridge has been the site of several protests. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Greens MLC Sue Higginson said Greens MPs had endorsed the event.

“We’ll do everything we can to protect this protest from Labor Premier Chris Minns and any attempts by NSW Police Force to stop it,” she said.

“Now is the time for action.”

NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman backed Mr Minns’ decision as “absolutely the right call”.

“The Harbour Bridge belongs to everyone,” he said.

“I can understand people have sincere and passionate views about what is happening in the Middle East: whichever way you look at it, it is a tragedy.

“But, that said, there are plenty of other ways you can protest, including public protests.”

The planned march comes after almost two years of weekly protests across Australia at Israel’s devastating war in Gaza following Hamas’ attack of October 7, 2023.

“As Australia’s most iconic symbol, a mass march across the Harbour Bridge will send a powerful message to the world,” the Palestine Action Group said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has vowed to fight plans for a pro-Palestine march across the Harbour Bridge. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

That message, the group said, would be to “Gaza, to Israel, and to our own government that we are determined to stand up for humanity”.

In NSW, protesters are protected from unlawfully assembly and other charges through the filing of a Form 1. However, police can oppose it through the court system.

In a statement, NSW police said they were aware of a proposed planned assembly in Sydney’s CBD on Sunday.

“Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command have received a Form 1 from organisers and are consulting relevant stakeholders,” the statement read.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a major thoroughfare in Sydney but has been closed several times in recent years, including for the filming of the movie Fall Guy.

The bridge was also shuttered in 2023 for a World Pride Month march attended by Anthony Albanese.

In 2000, the bridge was the site of the Walk For Reconciliation, a rally showing support for Indigenous and non-Indigenous reconciliation attended by 250,000 people.

“It can certainly be closed to stop a genocide,” organisers said.

The Palestine Action Group said protesters planned on meeting at Lang Park, near Wynyard station, at 1pm before marching to the bridge.

The event marks almost two years of protests following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent war on Gaza.

Last week, the Prime Minister accused Israel of “clearly” breaching international law, but fell short of joining France in recognising a Palestinian state.

Originally published as Mark Latham back pro-Palestine Harbour Bridge march as organisers seek compromise