NSW Premier Chris Minns defends police conduct in violent clashes, says protesters attempted to breach police lines
Sky News Australia14 hrs
Australia: NSW Premier Defends Police Action During Violent Protests
Did police instigate violence against peaceful protesters or take necessary action against intimidatory demonstrations?
Above: NSW Police clash with rally participants at Town Hall in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 9, 2026. Image credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
The Spin
Government-critical narrative
Police attempted to instigate a riot against peaceful Australians and then lied about it to justify their violence. The footage clearly shows cops weren't in the middle of any riot — they were bashing people who posed no threat. This unjustifiable force cannot be spun away, no matter how hard authorities try.
Pro-government narrative
Police finally took control of the streets from intimidating pro-terrorist protesters who showed defiance against Australia itself. Strong action was necessary and long overdue. The premier demonstrated the kind of moral clarity and strength needed to stand up to the anti-Australians.
Narrative C
The violent Sydney protest highlights flaws in policing strategy and legal restrictions that limited lawful protest space. Better dialogue between police and organizers, framing police powers within human‑rights frameworks and using independent legal observers could help avoid clashes and protect rights while maintaining order in future demonstrations.
Narrative D
The Sydney protests must force Australia to confront the balance between public dissent and social order. Though Minns defended police actions, confident the public would see reason despite claims of excessive force, the clashes highlight tensions in modern civic life, challenging politicians and law enforcement to define acceptable boundaries of speech and protest.