NSW police say the visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog is a factor behind the decision to extend the protest bans in some parts of Sydney by an additional two weeks.
Following laws passed by the NSW government in the wake of the Bondi terror attack the NSW Police Force Commissioner was granted power to temporarily declare public areas "restricted" from assemblies following a declared terrorist incident.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced that for the next 14 days, public assemblies will be restricted in Sydney's eastern suburbs and parts of Sydney's CBD, excluding Hyde Park.
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"The declaration is a balance between ensuring community safety and recognising the importance of free speech," Lanyon said.
"Overwhelmingly, we are pleased with the actions and behaviours of protesters, however, few continue to incite violence and cause fear and harm."
Lanyon said that the Israeli president's visit to Australia from February 9 to 12 was "a factor" in his decision to extend the restrictions. Protests have been planned against the visit.
The commissioner said that the Palestinian Action Group's proposed route planned for next Monday would not have been authorised under the previous declaration.
"I know that there is significant animosity about President Herzog's visit.
"Both on social media and in recent public assemblies, there has been significant animosity.
"To not do anything about that and to potentially put community safety at risk would be intolerable for me as the Commissioner."
"I can say that over the period of the visit, we'll have over 3,000 police shifts operating to ensure [community] safety," Lanyon said.
Today's extension of the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) is an extension of the declaration made on January 20.
During this time, Form 1 applications for the authorisation of public assemblies will not be granted in certain locations.
Individuals who attend in public assemblies at the specific locations during this time will not have the protection of the Summary Offences Act, with respect to obstructing traffic and pedestrians.
Police will also have authority to require removal, for identification purposes, of any face coverings worn by people suspected of committing offences.
The extension will remain in place for the next 14 days, unless changed or revoked.
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