Pro-Palestine Protests in Canberra Wreak havoc on Local Police Budget

Strategic Insights -

The escalating cost of policing Canberra's pro-Palestine protests has reached alarming heights, with the first two months of the 2025-26 financial year already nearing the total cost of the entire previous year. The ACT police have disclosed that the expenditure for managing the rallies, including officer salaries and other associated costs, has exceeded $161,855 as of August 29, 2025, far surpassing the $30,101 spent in the previous financial year. This significant increase in costs has been attributed to the growing number of protests, including the recent national rally on August 24, which drew an estimated 2000-4000 attendees.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cost of policing Canberra's pro-Palestine protests in the first two months of the 2025-26 financial year has reached $161,855, nearing the total cost of 2024-25.
  • The expenditure in 2023-24 was only $30,101, indicating a substantial increase in the number and size of protests.
  • The national rally on August 24, hosted by Palestine Action Group Canberra, drew an estimated 2000-4000 attendees, with thousands participating in peaceful marches on Parliament House.
  • ACT Policing spokesperson recognized the right to peaceful protest as essential to a healthy democracy, acknowledging the associated costs of managing such events.
  • The protests have led to incidents like a man being stopped by police for allegedly carrying a Nazi symbol, highlighting the need for increased security measures.
  • Palestine Action Group Canberra has also been hosting vigils and weekly rallies, indicating a sustained commitment to pro-Palestine activism in Canberra.

Statistics:

  • The total cost of policing pro-Palestine protests in Canberra for the first two months of 2025-26 is $161,855.
  • The estimated attendance number for the national rally on August 24 is between 2000 and 4000 people.
  • The cost of policing protests in 2023-24 was $30,101.
  • The total cost of policing protests in 2024-25 was $170,908.

Sources:

  • ACT police news release, date not specified
  • Lucy Arundell, "The Canberra Times", The cost of policing pro-Palestine protests in Canberra nearly equals total cost for 2024-25", August 29, 2025.
  • Palestine Action Group Canberra, exact dates of protests and vigils not specified.