Sydney’s Harbour Bridge Protest: Police Praised for Managing Massive Rally

One of the largest protests in Sydney’s history saw more than 90,000 people rally against Israel’s bombardment of Palestine, despite heavy rain. Former NSW police officer Luke Taylor joined The Today Show to reflect on how police handled the event and the challenges they faced.

A Strong Performance by Police

Despite limited preparation time and poor conditions, Luke Taylor commended the police response.

“They did brilliantly,” he said. “There were no injuries to police, no injuries to protesters, and no injuries to passers-by or businesses along the route. Police have responsibility not just to protesters but to a city of nearly 10 million people. To keep everyone safe under those conditions was a huge achievement.”

Crowd Numbers Exceeded Expectations

Organisers initially anticipated 10,000 attendees, but the protest swelled to between 90,000 and 300,000 people.

“To bring in a thousand extra police at short notice is massive,” Luke explained. “They weren’t just drawing from Sydney — resources were pulled from every patrol, as far as Newcastle. The logistics of mobilising officers, vehicles, transport, and coordination with such little time is extraordinary.”

Safety Concerns and the Supreme Court’s Role

The Supreme Court’s late decision allowing the protest to proceed on the Harbour Bridge complicated planning.

“Police weren’t trying to stop the protest,” Luke clarified. “They just wanted enough time to plan for contingencies — things like emergency access routes and blockades against potential vehicle rammings. Around the world we’ve seen vehicles used as weapons in large gatherings, and police need time to safeguard against that. Without it, the risks can be catastrophic.”

Lessons for Future Protests

Luke emphasised that while the right to protest is essential, planning is equally vital for safety.

“It’s easy to make a decision from the safety of a Supreme Court bench,” he said. “But it’s police on the ground who face the realities. Future events must account for the growing risks, from crowd crushing to vehicle attacks, to ensure protests remain safe and peaceful.”

Conclusion

Sydney’s Harbour Bridge protest was peaceful despite its size and the logistical challenges posed by poor weather and late approvals. Luke Taylor praised police for their professionalism and urged authorities to balance the right to protest with robust safety planning in the future.

Watch the full interview above for Luke’s insights into how police managed one of Sydney’s largest protests.