Ruqayyah Snyder
Australians have been protesting for a variety of reasons, including the war in Gaza, workers' rights, and climate change. One of the most notable recent protests was the Palestine Action Group's 'March for Humanity' in Sydney, with protesters demanding peace and aid deliveries in Gaza. The group also called for an end to the two-way arms trade with Israel and for sanctions to be imposed. Other protests in Australia have included Union workers protesting for better pay and more secure jobs, and environmental protests, with Australia currently having the highest arrest rate in the world for climate and environmental protests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for protest | Against the war in Gaza and Israel's blockade of the region |
| Protest organiser | Palestine Action Group |
| Protest location | Sydney Harbour Bridge |
| Number of protesters | 90,000 (police estimate), 225,000-300,000 (organiser estimate) |
| Protest date | 3 August 2025 |
| Protesters' demands | Sanctions on Israel, an end to the two-way arms trade with Israel, aid deliveries to Gaza, an immediate ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal |
| Notable attendees | Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, former NSW Premier Bob Carr |
| Political response | Foreign Minister Penny Wong said she wasn't surprised by the scale of the turnout; the Australian government committed an extra $20 million AUD in aid to Gaza |
| Legal context | The protest was authorised by the Supreme Court; NSW has introduced "authoritarian" anti-protest laws in recent years |
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What You'll Learn
Anti-protest laws
Australia has seen a wave of protests in recent years, with people taking to the streets to voice their opinions on a range of issues, including the environment, wars, and social justice. While the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association are protected in international law, as well as in Australia under the Fair Work Act 2009, the country has also witnessed the introduction of numerous anti-protest laws.
These laws have been criticised as "authoritarian", with advocates arguing that they stifle freedom of speech and disproportionately target certain groups, such as climate protesters. David Mejia-Canales, a senior lawyer at the Human Rights Centre, notes that there has been an increase in anti-protest legislation across the country, with about 30 new laws introduced in the last two decades. These laws often make blocking roads or disrupting infrastructure a crime, with hefty penalties attached. For example, in New South Wales (NSW), protesters can be fined up to $22,000 and face two years in prison for blocking major roads or tunnels, or disrupting ports. Queensland has similar laws, with protesters who disrupt mining equipment facing up to a year in prison.
The speed at which these laws have been implemented has led to concerns about their legal definitions being vague, making it unclear when someone is breaking the law. This ambiguity gives law enforcement agencies a lot of discretion in how they choose to enforce these laws, which can lead to the arbitrary restriction of people's rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The introduction of these anti-protest laws has sparked a debate about the role of protest in society and the balance between maintaining public order and respecting people's right to express their views. While the authorities defend these laws as necessary to ensure the safe operation of cities and protect workers, critics argue that the harsh penalties and broad discretion given to police are excessive and infringe on democratic rights.
The impact of these laws on young people's participation in activism is also a concern. With the potential for harsh penalties and vague definitions of unlawful behaviour, young people may be deterred from engaging in protest action, limiting their ability to have their voices heard and effect change through traditional democratic channels.
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Palestine Action Group
The Palestine Action Group (PAG) is a pro-Palestinian direct action network in Australia. The group organised a massive protest in Sydney, with at least 90,000 people marching across the Harbour Bridge, calling for an end to Israel's genocide in Gaza. The Australian government responded to the protest by committing an additional 20 million Australian dollars in aid to Gaza, but stopped short of granting the group's other demands, which included sanctions on Israel and a halt to the two-way arms trade.
PAG was founded in 2020 by Huda Ammori, of Palestinian and Iraqi descent, and Richard Barnard, a long-term left-wing activist. The group's stated goal is to end Israeli apartheid, and it became active during the Gaza war protests in the United Kingdom. Palestine Action disrupts the arms industry, accusing it of complicity in the Gaza genocide. Their tactics include protest, occupation of premises, destruction of property, and vandalism, resulting in arrests and criticism from civil liberties groups.
In Australia, PAG has faced opposition from some media outlets and politicians. For instance, The West Australian’s headline characterised the protest as "Bloody chaos" and accused protesters of being Hamas sympathisers. Despite this, PAG's Sydney protest was successful in bringing attention to the issue and putting pressure on the Australian government.
The group has also faced legal challenges, with the British government proscribing them as a terrorist group in 2025 under the UK's Terrorism Act. This has led to the arrest of hundreds of individuals for showing support for the group. However, civil liberties groups and political parties have criticised the ban as "conflating protest with terrorism".
Overall, the Palestine Action Group is a passionate and dedicated organisation that uses direct action to advocate for Palestinian rights and an end to Israeli apartheid. Their protests in Australia have sparked debate and put pressure on the government to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
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Australian government's inaction
Australians have been protesting against what they perceive as their government's inaction on several pressing issues. These include the crisis in Gaza, the climate crisis, and worker's rights.
Gaza Crisis
The crisis in Gaza has been a significant issue for Australians, with protests calling for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and recognition of a Palestinian state. Despite Australia calling for an end to the war in Gaza, protesters believe that their government is doing little more than talking. They want the Australian government to take concrete action, such as imposing sanctions on Israel and stopping the two-way arms trade. The protests have been so large that they have closed the Sydney Harbour Bridge to traffic. The Australian government has responded to these protests by committing an extra 20 million Australian dollars in aid to Gaza. However, it has not granted any of the other demands, such as recognising a Palestinian state.
Climate Crisis
Australia currently has the highest arrest rate in the world for climate and environmental protests. Young activists are aware of this and are scared to participate in protests due to concerns about their future and job prospects. They feel that protesting in a legal and polite manner is often ignored and does not lead to meaningful change. Australia has restricted the ability for activists and the community to engage in meaningful forms of protest and direct action. For example, South Australia's new laws increase maximum fines from $750 to $50,000, with potential jail time. These laws were prompted by protests disrupting an oil and gas conference.
Worker's Rights
Union workers have also been protesting for better pay and more secure jobs in Melbourne. While the specific demands of these protests are unclear, it is evident that Australians are willing to take to the streets to voice their dissatisfaction with various issues.
Government Inaction
The Australian government has been accused of not doing enough to address the concerns of its citizens. Despite the large number of protests and increasing arrest rates, the government has primarily focused on introducing anti-protest laws rather than addressing the issues at hand. These laws give the police broad discretion to penalise protesters and have vague legal definitions, making it difficult for people to know if they are breaking the law. As a result, people are easily arrested, and their right to protest is restricted.
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Climate crisis
In recent years, Australia has experienced record-breaking temperatures, floods, and bushfires. The country is also the world's largest exporter of coal and liquefied natural gas, which significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, climate protests have become more frequent and widespread across the nation. Young people, in particular, have been at the forefront of these demonstrations, demanding urgent action on the climate crisis and a transition to clean energy.
In 2019, an estimated 300,000 people attended rallies across Australia, making it one of the largest public demonstrations in the country's history. The protests were sparked by young climate activists inspired by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The movement, known as the Global Climate Strike, spread worldwide, with students demanding a new approach to energy and emissions. Many Australians also protested in solidarity with the Pacific Islands, which are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels due to climate change.
However, the Australian government has responded to these protests with harsh and disproportionate measures. State governments have introduced anti-protest laws and penalties specifically targeting climate activists. For example, in 2022, the New South Wales state government threatened protesters who blocked roads and ports with up to two years in prison and AU$22,000 in fines. Similarly, the South Australian government increased penalties for "public obstruction" by 60-fold, from $750 to $50,000 or three months in jail. These actions have been criticized as a crackdown on peaceful protesters and an attempt to prevent a full debate on the climate crisis.
Despite these challenges, Australian climate protesters have achieved some victories. In December 2023, the New South Wales Supreme Court overturned sections of the state's anti-protest laws, ruling that they were unconstitutional and infringed on "freedom of political communication." This decision was a result of a legal challenge brought by members of the "Knitting Nanas" climate protest group.
The climate movement in Australia continues to face an uphill battle, with competing social and geopolitical issues also vying for attention. However, activists remain committed to raising awareness and demanding action on the climate crisis, despite the obstacles and efforts to curtail their protests.
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Media coverage
The Guardian's Tory Shepherd wrote about the problems of media reporting on the 'March for Australia', a rally led by the neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell. She questioned how the media should handle covering potentially racist marches: "Do you refuse to give them airtime? Mention them but be sure not to glorify them? How much detail do you include?".
The media has also covered the impact of Australia's anti-protest laws on young people's willingness to demonstrate. Australia currently has the highest arrest rate in the world for climate and environmental protests, leading to fears about job prospects and future careers.
In addition, the media has reported on the various reasons for protests in Australia, including the treatment of First Nations people, violence against women, and Australia's role in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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Frequently asked questions
People in Australia are protesting against the war in Gaza, calling for peace, aid deliveries, and an end to the Israeli blockade that has caused a humanitarian crisis and starvation.
Australians have also protested against climate change inaction, demanding climate justice and an end to coal operations. Additionally, there have been protests for better pay and more secure jobs.
Protests in Australia often take the form of marches, rallies, and blockades. Marches across the Sydney Harbour Bridge have been particularly notable, with large crowds participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and other social justice causes.
Protesters in Australia face increasing anti-protest laws and regulations that restrict their ability to demonstrate. These laws carry vague definitions, high fines, and potential jail time, leading to concerns about freedom of speech and assembly. Protesters also face challenges in getting their voices heard and making meaningful change.
