The New South Wales government's struck-down protest laws may have put taxpayers on the hook for damages, as legal experts review the implications of yesterday's court outcome.
On Thursday afternoon, the government was dealt a blow by the highest court in the state when it ruled that expanded police powers to restrict protests were unconstitutional.
The controversial Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) laws were passed in the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist attack on Christmas Eve during an emergency sitting of parliament, allowing the police commissioner to restrict protests throughout parts of Greater Sydney until they ultimately lapsed on February 17.
The Court of Appeal found the laws "impermissibly burdened" the implied right to freedom of political communication under Australia's constitution.
The ruling has left Redfern Legal Centre reviewing its cases to determine whether civil damages can be sought for its clients from NSW Police.
"We will be looking at the law to see what we would advise to those who participated in the protest and reviewing options to see if there is grounds for recourse," principal assistant Samantha Lee said.
"Lawyers will now be looking at that possibility."
