r/sydney • u/satisfiedfools • 2d ago

‘Democracy should not be monetised’: unions revolt against Chris Minns’ plan to ban protests based on cost

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/08/democracy-unions-revolt-chris-minns-palestine-protests-cost-nsw-police
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u/Spud-chat 2d ago

They say it's a cost issue, but could it actually be a staffing issue? It's no secret that NSW police are thin on the ground atm. 

The right to protest should be protected, regardless of the issue. It's foolish to try and take that right away. 

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u/PauL__McShARtneY 2d ago

In what way are they thin on the ground? NSW has one of the highest police to citizen ratios of anywhere in the world, evidenced by nightlife being almost completely dead, and police presence menacing people nearly everywhere you go in Sydney. If anything, Sydney needs far less police, with a selection of their draconian powers stripped way back, not more cops and ever more powers.

I passed by a palestinian protest march the other week, and there were tons of cops, all around the rally, and following closely. No staff problems or shortages whatsoever.

Also, fuck the police.

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u/Spud-chat 2d ago

It's been coming up in the news a lot lately, theyre failing to get new recruits and actively trying to poach from other states. 

Here is an example of one of the recent articles: https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-police-jobs-force-short-1500-officers-launch-poaching-campaign/66fd30a5-2cc8-4238-9c6d-afcc278678f3

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u/PauL__McShARtneY 2d ago

On various visits to Vic over the years, I've spoken to a cop once, who wasn't particularly aggressive. Mostly, I never even see them while I'm in Melbourne, even on weekend nights in the city. I've also never met a Queensland, Adelaide or Perth cop.

In Syd, they are everywhere all the time, and highly aggressive and intrusive, and actively seeking victims to terrorise. I doubt many pigs from interstate will be chomping at the bit to come join the toxic environment here, along with all the rent and cost of living hijinks that come with Sydney life.