NSW Chief Justice Slams Tony Abbott's Misguided Critique of Judge's Decision on Sydney Harbour Bridge March
In a recent speech, the Chief Justice of New South Wales, Andrew Bell, took a strong stance against former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's criticism of a judge's ruling regarding the pro-Palestine Sydney Harbour Bridge march. Bell labeled Abbott's remarks as 'misconceived and ignorant', highlighting the potential impact on social cohesion. The controversy arose from Abbott's August 2025 post on X, where he questioned the judge's authority to decide the justification of a political protest.
Abbott's post sparked debate, suggesting that the decision to close the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the protest should be made by elected officials, not judges. He argued that unelected judges should not make political judgments, implying a slippery slope. However, Bell's speech revealed a different perspective.
Bell emphasized that the judge's decision was not about the justification of the protest but rather the application of statutory frameworks and case law. The judge did not make the decision to close the bridge; rather, the authorities had already made that call, regardless of the judge's ruling. Bell pointed out that the legislature had explicitly granted the court responsibility for such decisions, refuting Abbott's claim of an unauthorized assumption of jurisdiction.
The Chief Justice further clarified that the judge's decision involved a careful balance between common law and constitutionally protected rights, such as free speech and public assembly. Bell also mentioned a subsequent court of appeal decision he presided over, which prevented a march to the Opera House, emphasizing that it was not a political decision but a result of a similar weighing process.
Bell criticized the media's simplistic and highly personal criticism of judges who granted bail to reoffenders, arguing that such attacks undermine trust in the judiciary and the rule of law. He expressed concern over the personal and misguided criticism faced by two Supreme Court judges, who received death threats in the last 18 months. The Chief Justice called for a more informed and respectful approach to judicial decisions, urging the public to engage in constructive dialogue.
