
Veterans remembered for service in 'forgotten war'
The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict.
A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service.
"I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it.
"War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid."
About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service.
Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children.
During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause.
Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath.
South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary.
The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule.
More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring.
The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded.
Of those who died, 42 have no known grave.
In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today.
"The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said.
"To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember.
"As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name.
"We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour."
Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation.
"We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said.
"Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today."
It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living.
More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Open Arms 1800 011 046
Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital.
The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict.
A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service.
"I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it.
"War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid."
About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service.
Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children.
During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause.
Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath.
South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary.
The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule.
More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring.
The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded.
Of those who died, 42 have no known grave.
In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today.
"The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said.
"To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember.
"As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name.
"We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour."
Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation.
"We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said.
"Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today."
It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living.
More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Open Arms 1800 011 046
Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital.
The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict.
A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service.
"I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it.
"War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid."
About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service.
Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children.
During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause.
Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath.
South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary.
The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule.
More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring.
The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded.
Of those who died, 42 have no known grave.
In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today.
"The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said.
"To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember.
"As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name.
"We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour."
Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation.
"We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said.
"Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today."
It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living.
More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Open Arms 1800 011 046
Former navy pilot Norman Lee makes a touching gesture for his fellow Korean War veterans every time he passes the memorial in the nation's capital.
The 95-year-old retired commodore flew many successful bombing missions across North Korea during his service in the conflict.
A ceremony was held at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra on Wednesday to mark the 75th anniversary of Australian service.
"I must admit, each time I go past the memorial, I give a salute," Mr Lee said, nodding towards it.
"War is a human condition. Man will always be at war, I'm afraid."
About 40 veterans who served in the conflict - now with an average age of 93 - attended the commemorative service.
Their families wiped away tears during the ceremony, which included readouts by the veterans and their children.
During the service, the veterans in attendance were asked to stand up to applause.
Australia's defence force chief Admiral David Johnston laid a wreath.
South Korea's ambassador to Australia Seungseob Sim, in addition to representatives of other countries that participated in the war, also braved wet and windy conditions to mark the anniversary.
The conflict was fought from 1950 to 1953 between North Korea and South Korea, after the former - backed by China and the Soviet Union - invaded its southern neighbour in a bid for reunification under communist rule.
More than 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and post-armistice ceasefire monitoring.
The conflict killed 340 Australians, while more than 1200 were wounded.
Of those who died, 42 have no known grave.
In an address, Veterans' Affairs Minister Matt Keogh paid tribute to the Australians who fought to help South Korea become the prosperous and thriving democracy it is today.
"The Korean War is sometimes called the forgotten war," he said.
"To all the Korean War veterans here today and around the country, I say we remember.
"As a nation, we say thank you for the sacrifices you made in our name.
"We thank you for the way you turned out to help the people of a nation so thoroughly and illegally invaded by a belligerent neighbour."
Opposition veterans' affairs spokesman Darren Chester said the service of Australians in Korea stood as a powerful testament to the nation's commitment to freedom and international co-operation.
"We owe a deep debt of gratitude to those who served and to the families who supported them," he said.
"Their courage and commitment helped shape the peace we enjoy today."
It's believed 1077 Australian veterans of the Korean War are still living.
More than 87,000 United Nations soldiers died in Korea, while more than one-and-a-half-million Koreans are believed to have been killed in the conflict.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Open Arms 1800 011 046
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Concern as grey market Russian oil seeps into Australia
Australian motorists could be inadvertently fuelling Russia's war on Ukraine after a loophole allowed tankers believed to be carrying Russian oil to arrive in the country. Alarm bells sounded in July when Seferis, a 250-metre ship sailing under a Greek flag, docked at a BP terminal in Kwinana, south of Perth, after departing from India. Activists claim it was laden with fuel derived from Russian crude oil that was processed in India but the oil giant maintains the load was fully compliant with Australian rules. Australia has imposed more than 1500 sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including measures to restrict the import, purchase and transport of the nation's oil. Other nations including India, however, have resisted punishing Vladimir Putin's regime. Australia has imported billions of dollars in Russian crude oil laundered through Indian refineries, Ukrainian activists say. The issue was first raised in parliament in July when independent MP Andrew Wilkie queried Defence Minister Richard Marles on why "our loopholes are so big you can drive a tanker through them". He said about 90,000 tonnes of petrol that also docked in Sydney in July from India's Jamnagar refinery were largely Russian-sourced. Although the oil is made in the refinery, Jamnagar uses up to 55 per cent of Russian oil in the process, Mr Wilkie said. Independent WA senator Fatima Payman on Thursday raised claims three tankers containing tainted Russian oil are sitting on WA's docks, unable to ship to Europe because of a crackdown on sanction evasion. The federal government in June announced sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", imposing a $60 price cap per barrel to restrict the import of Russian crude oil. It also enables authorities to prevent these vessels entering Australian waters. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was looking at ways to further deal with imports from third countries. "Regrettably, the mechanisms we would need to track and monitor all energy products via third countries are not in place in those countries," she said. "You're asking me to make an assurance about Indian refinery revenue. We are not the government that has responsibility for what occurs in the refineries." The foreign minister said Australians expect businesses to try to avoid their supply chains inadvertently funding Russia's invasion, signalling further pressure on Russian oil revenues. Ukrainian Association of WA activist Roma Popadynec, whose relatives have been caught up in the conflict, said Australia needs to close these loopholes, fearing they funded Kremlin's war efforts. Australian National University academic Anton Moiseienko, a specialist in financial crimes and sanctions, said it was a political minefield for governments to balance limiting Russia's oil money-maker while avoiding overall price increases. "If prices rose, then Russia could sell less and make more money," he said. Director of the University of Queensland's Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre David Close said voters support embargoes and sanctions to a point but they don't want the global economy to crater. Australian motorists could be inadvertently fuelling Russia's war on Ukraine after a loophole allowed tankers believed to be carrying Russian oil to arrive in the country. Alarm bells sounded in July when Seferis, a 250-metre ship sailing under a Greek flag, docked at a BP terminal in Kwinana, south of Perth, after departing from India. Activists claim it was laden with fuel derived from Russian crude oil that was processed in India but the oil giant maintains the load was fully compliant with Australian rules. Australia has imposed more than 1500 sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including measures to restrict the import, purchase and transport of the nation's oil. Other nations including India, however, have resisted punishing Vladimir Putin's regime. Australia has imported billions of dollars in Russian crude oil laundered through Indian refineries, Ukrainian activists say. The issue was first raised in parliament in July when independent MP Andrew Wilkie queried Defence Minister Richard Marles on why "our loopholes are so big you can drive a tanker through them". He said about 90,000 tonnes of petrol that also docked in Sydney in July from India's Jamnagar refinery were largely Russian-sourced. Although the oil is made in the refinery, Jamnagar uses up to 55 per cent of Russian oil in the process, Mr Wilkie said. Independent WA senator Fatima Payman on Thursday raised claims three tankers containing tainted Russian oil are sitting on WA's docks, unable to ship to Europe because of a crackdown on sanction evasion. The federal government in June announced sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", imposing a $60 price cap per barrel to restrict the import of Russian crude oil. It also enables authorities to prevent these vessels entering Australian waters. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was looking at ways to further deal with imports from third countries. "Regrettably, the mechanisms we would need to track and monitor all energy products via third countries are not in place in those countries," she said. "You're asking me to make an assurance about Indian refinery revenue. We are not the government that has responsibility for what occurs in the refineries." The foreign minister said Australians expect businesses to try to avoid their supply chains inadvertently funding Russia's invasion, signalling further pressure on Russian oil revenues. Ukrainian Association of WA activist Roma Popadynec, whose relatives have been caught up in the conflict, said Australia needs to close these loopholes, fearing they funded Kremlin's war efforts. Australian National University academic Anton Moiseienko, a specialist in financial crimes and sanctions, said it was a political minefield for governments to balance limiting Russia's oil money-maker while avoiding overall price increases. "If prices rose, then Russia could sell less and make more money," he said. Director of the University of Queensland's Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre David Close said voters support embargoes and sanctions to a point but they don't want the global economy to crater. Australian motorists could be inadvertently fuelling Russia's war on Ukraine after a loophole allowed tankers believed to be carrying Russian oil to arrive in the country. Alarm bells sounded in July when Seferis, a 250-metre ship sailing under a Greek flag, docked at a BP terminal in Kwinana, south of Perth, after departing from India. Activists claim it was laden with fuel derived from Russian crude oil that was processed in India but the oil giant maintains the load was fully compliant with Australian rules. Australia has imposed more than 1500 sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including measures to restrict the import, purchase and transport of the nation's oil. Other nations including India, however, have resisted punishing Vladimir Putin's regime. Australia has imported billions of dollars in Russian crude oil laundered through Indian refineries, Ukrainian activists say. The issue was first raised in parliament in July when independent MP Andrew Wilkie queried Defence Minister Richard Marles on why "our loopholes are so big you can drive a tanker through them". He said about 90,000 tonnes of petrol that also docked in Sydney in July from India's Jamnagar refinery were largely Russian-sourced. Although the oil is made in the refinery, Jamnagar uses up to 55 per cent of Russian oil in the process, Mr Wilkie said. Independent WA senator Fatima Payman on Thursday raised claims three tankers containing tainted Russian oil are sitting on WA's docks, unable to ship to Europe because of a crackdown on sanction evasion. The federal government in June announced sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", imposing a $60 price cap per barrel to restrict the import of Russian crude oil. It also enables authorities to prevent these vessels entering Australian waters. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was looking at ways to further deal with imports from third countries. "Regrettably, the mechanisms we would need to track and monitor all energy products via third countries are not in place in those countries," she said. "You're asking me to make an assurance about Indian refinery revenue. We are not the government that has responsibility for what occurs in the refineries." The foreign minister said Australians expect businesses to try to avoid their supply chains inadvertently funding Russia's invasion, signalling further pressure on Russian oil revenues. Ukrainian Association of WA activist Roma Popadynec, whose relatives have been caught up in the conflict, said Australia needs to close these loopholes, fearing they funded Kremlin's war efforts. Australian National University academic Anton Moiseienko, a specialist in financial crimes and sanctions, said it was a political minefield for governments to balance limiting Russia's oil money-maker while avoiding overall price increases. "If prices rose, then Russia could sell less and make more money," he said. Director of the University of Queensland's Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre David Close said voters support embargoes and sanctions to a point but they don't want the global economy to crater. Australian motorists could be inadvertently fuelling Russia's war on Ukraine after a loophole allowed tankers believed to be carrying Russian oil to arrive in the country. Alarm bells sounded in July when Seferis, a 250-metre ship sailing under a Greek flag, docked at a BP terminal in Kwinana, south of Perth, after departing from India. Activists claim it was laden with fuel derived from Russian crude oil that was processed in India but the oil giant maintains the load was fully compliant with Australian rules. Australia has imposed more than 1500 sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including measures to restrict the import, purchase and transport of the nation's oil. Other nations including India, however, have resisted punishing Vladimir Putin's regime. Australia has imported billions of dollars in Russian crude oil laundered through Indian refineries, Ukrainian activists say. The issue was first raised in parliament in July when independent MP Andrew Wilkie queried Defence Minister Richard Marles on why "our loopholes are so big you can drive a tanker through them". He said about 90,000 tonnes of petrol that also docked in Sydney in July from India's Jamnagar refinery were largely Russian-sourced. Although the oil is made in the refinery, Jamnagar uses up to 55 per cent of Russian oil in the process, Mr Wilkie said. Independent WA senator Fatima Payman on Thursday raised claims three tankers containing tainted Russian oil are sitting on WA's docks, unable to ship to Europe because of a crackdown on sanction evasion. The federal government in June announced sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", imposing a $60 price cap per barrel to restrict the import of Russian crude oil. It also enables authorities to prevent these vessels entering Australian waters. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was looking at ways to further deal with imports from third countries. "Regrettably, the mechanisms we would need to track and monitor all energy products via third countries are not in place in those countries," she said. "You're asking me to make an assurance about Indian refinery revenue. We are not the government that has responsibility for what occurs in the refineries." The foreign minister said Australians expect businesses to try to avoid their supply chains inadvertently funding Russia's invasion, signalling further pressure on Russian oil revenues. Ukrainian Association of WA activist Roma Popadynec, whose relatives have been caught up in the conflict, said Australia needs to close these loopholes, fearing they funded Kremlin's war efforts. Australian National University academic Anton Moiseienko, a specialist in financial crimes and sanctions, said it was a political minefield for governments to balance limiting Russia's oil money-maker while avoiding overall price increases. "If prices rose, then Russia could sell less and make more money," he said. Director of the University of Queensland's Gas and Energy Transition Research Centre David Close said voters support embargoes and sanctions to a point but they don't want the global economy to crater.


The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
'Massive disruption': Harbour Bridge rally to go ahead
Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a major show of force, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to manage the court-sanctioned event. Thousands of demonstrators are expected to attend the rally to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Police on Saturday implored those planning to take part to act peacefully and respectfully, warning them they would be closely monitored. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected an application on behalf of the NSW police commissioner to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg said in her judgment that arguments the rally would cause disruption were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections around offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. Police Minister Yasmine Catley urged people to avoid the city if possible. "Make no mistake there is going to be massive, massive disruption ... there will be significant delays," she said. "But we believe police will be able to handle the protest on the bridge so long as people are peaceful, that they listen to what police ask them to do and that they are sensible." In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages. Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a major show of force, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to manage the court-sanctioned event. Thousands of demonstrators are expected to attend the rally to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Police on Saturday implored those planning to take part to act peacefully and respectfully, warning them they would be closely monitored. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected an application on behalf of the NSW police commissioner to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg said in her judgment that arguments the rally would cause disruption were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections around offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. Police Minister Yasmine Catley urged people to avoid the city if possible. "Make no mistake there is going to be massive, massive disruption ... there will be significant delays," she said. "But we believe police will be able to handle the protest on the bridge so long as people are peaceful, that they listen to what police ask them to do and that they are sensible." In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages. Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a major show of force, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to manage the court-sanctioned event. Thousands of demonstrators are expected to attend the rally to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Police on Saturday implored those planning to take part to act peacefully and respectfully, warning them they would be closely monitored. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected an application on behalf of the NSW police commissioner to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg said in her judgment that arguments the rally would cause disruption were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections around offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. Police Minister Yasmine Catley urged people to avoid the city if possible. "Make no mistake there is going to be massive, massive disruption ... there will be significant delays," she said. "But we believe police will be able to handle the protest on the bridge so long as people are peaceful, that they listen to what police ask them to do and that they are sensible." In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages. Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a major show of force, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to manage the court-sanctioned event. Thousands of demonstrators are expected to attend the rally to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Police on Saturday implored those planning to take part to act peacefully and respectfully, warning them they would be closely monitored. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected an application on behalf of the NSW police commissioner to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg said in her judgment that arguments the rally would cause disruption were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections around offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. Police Minister Yasmine Catley urged people to avoid the city if possible. "Make no mistake there is going to be massive, massive disruption ... there will be significant delays," she said. "But we believe police will be able to handle the protest on the bridge so long as people are peaceful, that they listen to what police ask them to do and that they are sensible." In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages.

Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
‘Maybe they're fearful': Albanese government ‘entirely captured' by gender ideology
Women's Forum Australia Chief Executive Rachael Wong says the Australian government is 'entirely captured' by gender ideology. 'There is no sensible explanation for why other than that they [Australian government] are entirely captured by gender ideology,' Ms Wong told Sky News host Danica De Giorgio. 'And maybe that they're fearful as well.'