A significant pro-Palestinian protest on March 24, 2024, drew an estimated 90,000 participants across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, raising serious safety concerns among senior officials of the New South Wales Police. The event, known as the March for Humanity, aimed to advocate for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Organisers had anticipated a far smaller crowd, resulting in heightened police apprehension regarding crowd management and safety.
As the day unfolded, authorities voiced fears of a potential “crowd crush” as participants gathered on the northern side of the bridge, creating a critical choke point. In light of these concerns, police had previously sought a prohibition order due to the short planning timeframe. Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson described the atmosphere on the bridge as “intense,” stating, “I can honestly say in my 35 years of policing, that was a perilous situation.” He expressed genuine worry over the possibility of a “major incident” and potential loss of life.
At approximately 15:00, police instructed participants to halt their march towards North Sydney, prompting confusion and frustration among the crowd. This decision, while controversial, is credited with averting a significant incident. “We could not get those people, the number, the significant size of that crowd off that northern egress route without risking crowd crush,” explained Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna. He emphasized the police’s priority was to ensure the safety of all involved.
Despite the challenges, the operation was deemed a success because no injuries were reported. “This operation, from our point of view, was a success in that no one was hurt,” McKenna added. He reiterated the importance of thorough planning for such large-scale events, indicating that the police’s ability to manage these situations effectively hinges on adequate preparation time.
While police officials expressed their worries about crowd safety, they also acknowledged the significance of the protest itself. Johnson indicated that the focus was never on suppressing the right to protest, stating, “Our whole issue today was never about the fact that they are protesting something that is so significant.” The police oversee over 1,500 protests annually and have been in collaboration with the Palestine Action Group, which has been organising demonstrations in the Central Business District for nearly two years.
In response to police comments, Amal Naser, an organiser with the Palestine Action Group, criticized the police for not adequately preparing for the protest. “They wasted their resources on going to court and trying to crush the right to protest,” she stated. Naser described the event as a “successful” and “monumental moment in anti-war protest history.” Fellow organiser Josh Lees noted that while the turnout exceeded expectations, there are currently no plans for another demonstration on the bridge. However, he indicated that weekly rallies would persist.
Reflecting on the peaceful nature of the protest, Lees countered remarks made by NSW Premier Chris Minns, who had suggested chaos might ensue. “There was nothing of the sort,” he said, describing the event as a “beautiful, peaceful mass protest.” He expressed pride in the participants, who left feeling accomplished and motivated to continue advocating for Palestine.
As the Palestine Action Group looks forward to a national day of action scheduled for August 24, 2024, the events of March 24 serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing large-scale demonstrations. While the police maintain their commitment to public safety, the organisers remain resolute in their efforts to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza and advocate for change.
