NSW Protest Laws Struck Down

The ruling is a significant defeat for Premier Chris Minns, who had championed the laws as a necessary public safety measure during a time of crisis.

Civil liberties groups and legal experts had warned that the rules effectively meant protesters could not march without the risk of arbitrary arrest.

The court's decision emphasizes that even in the aftermath of a tragedy, the state cannot bypass fundamental democratic rights.

The government is now facing calls to reform its approach to protest management and ensure that future legislation respects constitutional boundaries.