Minns might have lost in court, but he knew failed protest laws were a winner

April 16, 2026 — 7:30pm

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The decision by NSW’s top court on Thursday to strike down controversial anti-protest laws rushed through parliament after the Bondi terror attack is an embarrassing defeat for Premier Chris Minns.

But at the risk of being overly cynical, Minns is unlikely to mind too much.

In its decision, the Court of Appeal declared the laws – which allowed police to make a declaration restricting protests in a geographical area for a specific time after a suspected terrorist act – were invalid because they “impermissibly burdened” the implied freedom of political communication.

The restrictions were “broad and un-discriminating”, to such a degree that, the justices noted, they would also include demonstrations supporting social cohesion.

Town Hall protest charges in doubt after court strikes down Minns restrictions

But if there is one thing this premier understands, it’s that people only really focus on what their political leaders — particularly at a state level — are doing during a time of crisis.

Covid-19 showed it, as did the Bondi........

© The Sydney Morning Herald