Cronulla riots memorial case discontinued

A southern Sydney council and a Muslim community leader have agreed to drop Federal Court proceedings against far-right activist Nicholas Folkes and his controversial Party for Freedom.

Late last year, Sutherland Shire Council and Jamal Rifi applied to prevent Mr Folkes and his supporters from commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Cronulla riots.

Mr Folkes and others had planned to hold a "memorial" barbecue and rally in Cronulla on December 12.

In court on Friday, Craig Leggat SC, acting on behalf of both the council and Dr Rifi, said it was not necessary for the case to continue because the proposed memorial events never took place.

He told Justice Steven Rares that Mr Folkes and another party to the proceedings, self-styled `Australian Viper' Shermon Burgess, had moved on.

Mr Burgess in particular had turned his attention to "the evils of capitalism", Mr Leggat said.

Outside court, Mr Folkes said he was grateful the matter was finalised.

"A great result for freedom of speech in Australia," Mr Folkes said.