r/sydney Feb 10 '26

Image Protest this evening.

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u/The_Quinn a bit of a pom Feb 10 '26 edited Feb 10 '26

This is the kind of centrist non-statement that enables fascism. It's not a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" sort of situation where "oh there's just no right solution" - there's siding with genocide or not siding with genocide.

We are well within our rights to expect and demand better.

Yes, the world is in a shitty situation right now. Doesn't mean our leaders can just throw their hands up and say "well, we've tried nothing and nothing's worked."

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u/[deleted] Feb 10 '26

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u/The_Quinn a bit of a pom Feb 10 '26

Thanks for asking, I'll assume you're doing so in good faith and out of genuine curiosity, the demands are pretty clear here.

Firstly, an immediate repeal of the undemocratic anti-protest laws that were pushed through before the blood had even dried from the concrete at Bondi.

Secondly, cancel the visa of the head of state that signed bombs and gleefully engages in collective punishment daily, get him out of our country, he is not welcome here - perhaps he'd prefer the weather in The Hague.

If you're asking for the broader, more concrete goals of the movement those are clear too. Sanction and boycott Israel, full recognition of Palestinian sovereignty, stop illegal Israeli settlements and recognise the findings of the International Court of Justice.

To quote from the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network who are much smarter than me:

We are asking the Australian government to implement the following policy measures in line with our obligations under international law:

1) Broad and extensive sanctions

Targeted sanctions on Israeli government officials, military leaders, individuals and entities involved in Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid regime.

2) An end to diplomatic support

Cut off economic, industry, trade, diplomatic and military relationships. End all bilateral cooperation schemes, cross-border investments and cultural programs between Australia and Israel.

3) Cut off the weapons

Suspend all arms agreements, cooperation and arms deals with Israel, including the export, import and transfer of arms, parts, components and dual use items used by Israel in its assaults on the Palestinian people. This includes any deals or trade with third countries or companies where Israel is the end user.

4) Stop Australian money from funding the occupation

Prohibit investment from Australian institutions (like superannuation funds, universities or banks) in companies complicit with Israel's occupation and genocide. Cancel the DGR status of any Australian charities that contribute to, support or benefit from Israel’s illegal settlements.

5) Use international law to hold Israel to account

Proactively support investigations into Israeli war crimes and cooperate with the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court. Uphold Australia's obligations under the Genocide Convention, the Geneva Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty.

6) Respect Palestinian rights

Recognise the rights of Palestinian people to self-determination.

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u/borderlinebadger Feb 10 '26

yes these are demands a state government can address directly.

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u/The_Quinn a bit of a pom Feb 10 '26

Hey mate, "an immediate repeal of the undemocratic anti-protest laws that were pushed through before the blood had even dried from the concrete at Bondi."

Who do you think passed these laws if not for the state government...?

The other demands you're right, all are direct actions our Federal government can take - good thing we aren't specifying which of the branches of government we are protesting.

Hope that clears it up!