Chris Minns urges NSW Labor to avoid October 7 pro-Palestine vigils

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has urged his Labor colleagues to avoid attending pro-Palestinian vigils scheduled for October 7 in Sydney and Wollongong. The demonstrations, organized by Jews Against the Occupation 48 and Wollongong Friends of Palestine, coincide with the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks in Israel.

Minns described the planned events as “heartless” and accused organizers of seeking attention, though he noted that constitutional protections prevent him from stopping the demonstrations. While Minns cannot guarantee that all Labor MPs will heed his request, upper house MP Anthony D’Adam has supported the Premier by labeling the vigils “unnecessary” and confirming his own non-attendance.

NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane criticized the vigils as “sickening” and “provocative,” arguing that the timing is intended to cause unease rather than foster respectful debate. The events have also faced criticism from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry.