In a move that’s sure to spark debate, NSW police have officially lifted the protest restrictions imposed after the devastating Bondi terror attack, marking a return to normalcy—or is it? At 10:38 am on February 17, 2026, Mal Lanyon announced that the public assembly restrictions, introduced to ease community tensions following the tragic shooting, were allowed to expire. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the restrictions are gone, Lanyon urged the community to ‘consider and respect others,’ emphasizing that ‘this is still a time for calm.’ It’s been just two months since the worst terror incident in New South Wales history, and emotions are still raw.
Lanyon stressed that the police are committed to working closely with organizers to protect free speech and public assembly—a balancing act that’s easier said than done. ‘We want to ensure public safety goes hand in hand with the right to gather,’ he said. But this is the part most people miss: under new laws passed on Christmas Eve, the police commissioner can still temporarily restrict public assemblies in certain areas, effectively banning protests. So, while today’s announcement lifts restrictions across Sydney and the eastern suburbs, police retain the power to oppose protest applications submitted by organizers.
The timing of this decision is particularly intriguing. It comes just one week after a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s state visit turned violent outside Sydney Town Hall. Lanyon admitted that the restrictions were initially extended due to concerns about managing the visit of a head of state and ensuring community safety. Now that Herzog has left, those concerns have reportedly subsided. But does this mean the community is truly ready to move on? And this is the part that could divide opinions: Is lifting restrictions a step toward healing, or a risky move in a still-fragile social climate?
As we navigate this complex issue, one thing is clear: the conversation is far from over. What do you think? Is this the right time to ease restrictions, or should caution still prevail? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to stay informed—follow us across all platforms for breaking news and exclusive stories. Download the 9NEWS App via Apple (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/9news/id1010533727) or Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nineNewsAlerts.nine.com&hl=enAU&pli=1), make 9News your preferred source on Google (https://9.nine.com.au/8x987w), and sign up for our breaking newsletter (https://login.nine.com.au/edm?clientid=nineatnine).
