Tens of thousands of Australians filled the streets on Sunday to protest in support of Palestine. Their actions were inspired by the current humanitarian disaster occurring in Gaza. Protests exploded across all capital cities, including Canberra, Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane and Melbourne. These events were met with overwhelming support from local organizations and labor unions. Activism ramped up even further as the United Nations just this past week made the unprecedented declaration of famine in parts of Gaza. According to reports from Palestinian health officials, more than 60,000 people have lost their lives since hostilities resumed after the attack by Hamas on October 7.
In Canberra, at least 1000 protesters packed into a main square. There, Sen. Mehreen Faruqi, the deputy leader of the Greens party, inspired the crowd with her ardent speech. Faruqi amplified just how urgent that situation is. She called on the Australian government to do much more to address its position on the conflict.
In Sydney, inspiring speakers – including Unity4Myanmar co-lead Dr. Author Grace Tame, journalist Antoinette Lattouf, and NSW Teachers Federation president Henry Rajendra spearheaded the campaign. Their presence highlighted the broad appeal of the movement and underscored the demand for governmental accountability regarding humanitarian issues.
In Hobart, lord mayor Anna Reynolds and independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie led the crowd as they marched in solidarity with those suffering in Gaza. Their engagement showed that the local government was serious about stepping up and addressing global humanitarian crises.
In a significant show of unity, thousands gathered in Brisbane at Queens Garden before taking an alternative route across Victoria Bridge. On the ground, organizers adapted to the new reality in no time. A magistrate banned the march over the Story Bridge, saying it would pose a risk to community safety. Despite this setback, demonstrators remained undeterred.
Josh Lees, the convener of the Palestine Action Group in Sydney, proclaimed that the city has just seen “the largest pro-Palestine demonstration that this city has ever experienced.” This event is representative of an increasing momentum for the movement all across Australia. Nationally, organizers were expecting as many as a half million people to join in. Their confidence had been boosted by previous successful protests, especially the rally on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in August, which drew 90,000–300,000 people.
The protests started at noon local time in each state and territory capital. They immediately had a leapfrog effect to regional centres such as Shepparton, Geraldton, Coffs Harbour, Katoomba and Pine Gap. Over 250 diverse religious groups, community organizations and labor unions rallied around the marches. Notable examples among them were the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Unions NSW, Hunter Workers, Unions WA and the South Coast Labour Council.
As tensions continue in Gaza following Hamas’s attack that resulted in 1,200 deaths and more than 200 hostages taken, many Australians are voicing their concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians. Not to be outdone, one of the latest movers in Australian politics, independent senator David Pocock, alluded specifically to Australia’s responsibility as a middle power.
“As a middle power, we can and must be doing more.” – David Pocock
He added that local constituents have reacted with great alarm at the prospect of so egregious an action.
“This is something that I’ve heard from Canberrans on more than any other issue in the last three years. People care. People care deeply, and they want a government that’s actually going to listen and then act.” – David Pocock
Demonstrators chanted slogans and waved banners, calling for freedom, justice and peace for Palestinians. The spirit in the air was still fervent with passion, but it was nonviolent. The sheer number of participants illustrated a collective desire for change and heightened awareness regarding ongoing conflicts overseas.