Speaking equipment operated by Solidarity Resources Inc has played a crucial role in building a campaign of nearly 100 events over the past two years. We must challenge any attempt by council to take away Justice for Palestine Magan-djin’s right-to-organise.
As operators of amplification equipment in ‘council spaces‘, we have skin in the game. That is why I raise our concerns here.
Can police negate council’s powers to regulate pedestrian malls?
On 3 October 2025, the police-officer-in-charge made no objection to entry into the mall by 300 supporters of the sumud flotilla . This implies consent by senior police controlling the assembly. Given that state law may override restrictions placed by councils on speaking and amplification in the mall, this fact may assist in defending the charges against people of speaking using amplification equipment should these charges go to court.
In fact, Brisbane City Council by-laws are in conflict with each other.
I have attended council-sponsored concerts and other events in the mall. These require amplification equipment that council specifically authorises in its by-laws albeit placing a 15 person restriction on assemblies. This restriction ignores council active promotion and support for larger and larger concerts in the mall.
Certain activities are not permitted in city malls Precinct including ‘assemblies with more than 15 participants‘ from council’s holding peaceful protests and rallies page.
That places council in conflict with authorised assemblies where there are no restrictions on numbers. On 3 October 2025 Justice for Palestine had no opportunity to put in a notice of intention to hold an assembly (NOI) because the sumud flotilla had just come under attack and we could not meet the 5-day rule under the Peaceful Assembly Act 1992.
Council by-laws are poorly drafted and in conflict with other council regulations and with state law.
We should not conceed to legal arguments by council that infringe on our rights in building a mass movement for a Free Palestine.
As soon as the sumud flotilla came under attack, Penny Wong should have been calling the Israeli ambassador in and expressing extreme concern for the safety of the Australian members of the flotilla, Hamish, Suriya and Juliet.
Ian Curr
Solidarity Resources
6 Nov 2025
Appeal against draconian laws opposing free speech
How is it possible that you can be targeted, charged, and fined by Brisbane City Council with failure to get consent to make a speech when you are not charged with the action itself? It makes no sense to make speech in the mall ‘unauthorised’ when the gatherings themselves are protected by the Peaceful Assembly Act of 1992.
Appeal / Dispute Time Limits (for a Local Law Infringement)
PROCESS
Before you begin. You can ask council for more information or photos of the infringement.
Stage 1 – Local (Council) Review
You have 28 days from the date the infringement notice (fine) was issued to lodge a dispute with Brisbane City Council.
Your dispute needs to be in writing and include relevant details / evidence.
Stage 2 – Disputes Commissioner Review
If Council rejects your Stage 1 dispute (i.e. they decide the fine “stands”), you can then appeal to the Disputes Commissioner.
That appeal must be lodged within 14 days of the date on Council’s letter telling you the fine stands.
You can provide new information or evidence in this Stage 2 appeal.
Stage 3 – External Review
If you disagree with the Disputes pCommissioner’s decision, you can elect to have your case heard in the Magistrates Court.