Controversial protest ban triggered in NSW by Police Commissioner, could last for up to three months

New South Wales' top policeman has triggered controversial restrictions on protests in the state that could last for up to three months.

Under the new laws passed yesterday in a marathon sitting in State Parliament, Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon was given powers to "restrict" protests in public areas following a terrorist attack for at least 14 days, though this can be extended on a fortnightly basis to up to three months.

Late on Wednesday, Lanyon declared a restriction on protests throughout Sydney for two weeks following the Bondi terror attack that killed 15 people.

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During this time, no public protests can be approved by police, and Form 1 applications for the authorisation of protests will not be accepted.

Gatherings are still permitted, but police will have greater powers to move on people who are deemed to be obstructing the public or behaving in an intimidating or harassing manner.

Lanyon said stronger safeguards were needed in the wake of the events at Bondi, and that the measures were designed to avoid further division within the community.

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"The NSW Police is committed to exercising these new powers responsibly and transparently," he claimed.

"This is a time for community to come together and to show respect and courtesy; it's not a time for large public assemblies and division. "

"Further protest activity would aggravate fear and divisiveness in the community at a time when we need to build safety and confidence."

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The new laws have already been met with pushback by several groups, with court action underway to try and prevent them.

It has already received a constitutional challenge in the High Court over the potential impact it will have on civil liberties.

It was launched by The Palestine Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation and the First Nations-led Blak Caucus, who condemned the reforms as undemocratic.

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