ABC News Daily Why police couldn’t stop the Harbour Bridge protest
11 snips
Aug 4, 2025 Sarah Moulds, Associate Professor in Law at the University of South Australia, shares her insights on the recent massive protest on Sydney Harbour Bridge. She discusses the challenges organizers faced in securing their right to protest against the backdrop of legal barriers. Moulds elaborates on the delicate balance between public safety and the right to assembly. She also highlights the need for clearer protest rights in Australia, showcasing how such events can influence global humanitarian advocacy. Her expertise sheds light on the complexity of democratic expression.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Right to Peaceful Assembly
- Peaceful assembly is a common law right in Australia rooted in the constitution and international commitments.
- Inconvenience and disruption are inherent to protest but must be balanced with public safety and democratic principles.
Disruption is Part of Protest
- The court recognized that disruption is inherent to protests on important political issues.
- Prohibition due to inconvenience alone is not sufficient under the law.
Follow Protests' Legal Boundaries
- Protesters had immunity from minor offences if they stayed within the defined assembly boundaries.
- Police retain powers against violent or non-compliant individuals even during authorized protests.