The recent police response to protests in Sydney has come under heavy scrutiny, with many arguing that the actions taken were excessive and detrimental to the democratic right of peaceful assembly. The Australian Democracy Network (ADN), among other civil society organizations, has raised alarms about the implications of the police's approach, suggesting it signals a broader trend of increasing restrictions on protest rights in New South Wales. In their correspondence to NSW Premier Chris Minns, they expressed fears that further limitations could be imposed on the ability of citizens to express dissent.

Anastasia Radievska, an ADN protest rights campaigner, emphasized the negative consequences of heavy-handed policing, stating that such tactics not only undermine the essence of democratic participation but also exacerbate tensions within the community. She argued that the nature of the protests, which were largely peaceful, should not be treated as public disturbances requiring forceful intervention. Instead, she advocates for the recognition of peaceful protest as a fundamental democratic right that deserves protection rather than suppression.

The unfolding debate reflects a vital conversation in contemporary Australia regarding the balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding civil liberties. As protests continue, the responses of both the police and the government will be scrutinized, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that the rights of citizens to assemble and voice their opinions are not eroded under the guise of security or public order. The outcomes of this situation could set important precedents for future demonstrations and the policies surrounding them in New South Wales and beyond.