Premier criticises plans for Story Bridge Palestine march, but leaves call to police

Organisers are forging ahead with plans to shut the Story Bridge for a march mirroring the protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge last weekend, as Premier David Crisafulli criticised the plan.

Justice for Palestine Magan-djin has sought permission to rally between Raymond Park in Kangaroo Point and Centenary Park in Fortitude Valley from 1pm on Sunday, August 24, as part of a “nationwide march for Palestine”.

They said in a statement on Friday that the protest was being organised to reflect the “urgency of the situation in Gaza”.

“This is the same bridge our lord mayor refused to light in the colours of the Palestinian flag, denying solidarity to a grieving community.”

The new events being planned follow Sunday’s march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge by what police estimate was 90,000, and organisers put at 200,000 to 300,000 people.

Asked whether his government would seek to intervene, as the former Labor government did to halt a pandemic-era protest over the treatment of refugees, Premier David Crisafulli said: “Police will assess the application independently based on community safety but shutting down a city is no way to endear Queenslanders to your cause.”

Queensland Police are now assessing the request, having recently blocked plans for cyclists and pedestrians to stage a peak-hour weekday rally on the bridge in protest of its footpaths being closed.

“The QPS recognises that every person has the right to peacefully assemble under Human Rights Act and Peaceful Assembly Act,” a spokesperson said.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.