Former Nationals leader and One Nation recruit Barnaby Joyce has launched a fierce attack on pro-Palestine activists who defiantly chanted a phrase set to be outlawed in New South Wales. The controversy erupted at a rally held just a short walk from the state parliament in Sydney.
Defiance at Sydney Town Hall
On Monday, human rights lawyer Sarah Saleh addressed dozens of protesters at Sydney Town Hall. She condemned attempts to link Palestinian advocacy with the extremist Islamic State ideology, which authorities allege inspired the Bondi Beach massacre on December 14.
To loud applause, Ms Saleh declared her intention to keep using the chants "Globalise the Intifada" and "Free Palestine". The first phrase, which calls for international support of resistance against Israeli military occupation, is due to be banned after NSW Premier Chris Minns labelled it hate speech that "encourages violence".
Joyce's 'Useful Idiots' Accusation
In a Facebook post on Monday, Barnaby Joyce did not hold back, branding the protesters the "Monday evening useful idiots". He argued the chant encourages violence against Israelis, Jews, and institutions supporting Israel, regardless of a speaker's intent.
"That does not send the message that the Government has control on the situation when this is happening a short walk from NSW Parliament," Joyce wrote. He also questioned the logic of recent gun law reforms, suggesting they would not stop such protesters and could be seen as "implicit support" for the Bondi attackers' themes.
Joyce claimed he was heckled by "later aged group, white with backpack and of course keffiyeh over their shoulders" as he walked past the demonstration.
Public Backlash and Ideological Distinctions
The rally, and the government's response, have sparked public criticism. Many Australians questioned online why organisers were allowed to use the phrase despite the impending ban, with one commenter stating: "I guess the hate speech and inciting violence laws don’t apply to these people."
The rally's organisers emphasised the distinction between the pro-Palestinian movement and extremist ideology. Their slogan was "Genocide is a crime. Protest is not", referencing UN reports on Gaza. The movement seeks an independent Palestinian state, contrasting sharply with the Islamic State-inspired ideology linked to the alleged Bondi gunmen, which seeks a global theocracy through terror.
This incident follows Joyce's appearance at an anti-immigration rally on Sunday, which was criticised for being held on a day of mourning after the Bondi attack, where 15 people were killed.
