Concerns within the New South Wales Police about the implications of a neo-Nazi rally outside the state parliament emerged more than a week prior to the event. Internal documents indicate police were apprehensive about the impact on the Jewish community and the overall public perception of the protest organized by the National Socialist Network, which took place on November 8, 2023.
Text messages, emails, and briefing notes produced under a parliamentary order reveal a scramble among senior police officials following the protest, which caught both Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Chris Minns off guard. The documents, first reported by Nine News, outline the timeline leading up to the rally and its aftermath.
On October 28, police received a notice of intent to conduct the protest but did not oppose it. This lack of action resulted in a communication breakdown, with Lanyon expressing frustration after the event. He later attributed this oversight to a miscommunication within the department. In response to the rally, the government has indicated plans to implement new legislation aimed at penalizing individuals who display support for Nazi ideology.
The fallout from the protest is illustrated in a text message from Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, who acknowledged his failure to inform Lanyon about the rally plans. “Mal not happy,” Thurtell wrote in a message to a colleague shortly after the demonstration. He accepted full responsibility for the oversight, stating, “All my fault and I’ll take responsibility.”
In subsequent correspondence, Thurtell referred to earlier discussions regarding communication with the Jewish community, specifically mentioning that he had committed to speaking with Lanyon about these matters but failed to do so. He suggested, “We should discuss on Monday what we need to start feeding to [Assistant Commissioner] Scott Whyte’s team every week so that we offload responsibility for this sort of thing and telling every man and their dog what’s happening.”
The internal documents reflect a growing urgency within the police to address the implications of such gatherings and their effects on community relations, particularly with marginalized groups. The upcoming legislation aimed at curtailing Nazi sympathies is part of a broader response to growing concerns over hate speech and public safety in New South Wales.
As the police force grapples with the repercussions of the November 8 rally, it faces increased scrutiny regarding its protocols for handling such significant events. The incident has sparked a dialogue about the responsibilities of law enforcement in managing protests that may incite division within the community.
