NSW Premier Chris Minns is considering new laws to reduce protests in Sydney’s CBD. A recent poll of 1,022 Australians found 62% across Australia and in NSW support stronger police powers to limit protests. Only 17% opposed, while 38% strongly supported the changes. Support was high among Labor and Coalition voters, but only 38% of Greens voters backed stronger powers. Protests in Sydney have been frequent for the past two years, mainly by the Palestine Action Group over Israel’s war on Gaza. These protests were peaceful but criticized by the premier and some Jewish groups. Recently, anti-immigration and neo-nazi groups have also held rallies in the city. The neo-nazi group National Socialist Network held a police-authorized rally in November. Premier Minns said protests must stop to protect social peace. He stressed the government’s main duty is to protect citizens. After the Bondi massacre in December, NSW introduced tough gun laws and allowed police to restrict protests temporarily after terrorist events. But Minns wants permanent rules to ease police workload and improve safety. One idea is to limit how many times protest groups can apply using the ‘form 1’ system. Form 1 is not a permit but helps police and protestors share info and provides some legal protection. Critics warn that limiting forms might lead to unregistered protests. Another plan is to use land use rules to ban protests in some areas and allow them in others, like the Domain. A NSW parliamentary committee is also considering banning certain protest slogans. The phrase “globalise the intifada” is under review because some Jewish groups say it promotes violence. The committee’s draft report may recommend banning it. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and others support new laws against hateful slogans. However, some legal experts and groups say banning slogans risks violating free speech rights. The government aims to introduce these laws when state parliament resumes next week, as it tries to balance protest rights with public safety.