Two men were forcibly removed by NSW Police from the NSW Labor State Conference at Sydney Town Hall on July 6, 2026, after unfurling a Palestinian flag from the second-floor balcony as Premier Chris Minns entered the venue. The flag bore the words "Labor values" alongside terms such as "Equity," "Fairness," and "Human rights."

Hassan Hijazi, who unfurled the flag, and Mark Powell, standing beside him, were quickly apprehended by police and escorted outside. Mr Powell, a 48-year-old Labor Party member for 29 years who described himself as physically fragile, told ABC he was shaken by the police's treatment. He said, "He [the police officer] took the flag, no conversation, and then he dragged us out," and added, "I grabbed the railing beside me because I was about to fall over."

A statement confirmed that the two men, aged 48 and 60, were issued move-on directions. Footage showed a security officer approaching the men seconds before police intervened, reportedly acting in support of security and event organisers upon becoming aware of protest activities.

The incident has led the men to demand answers and an apology regarding their removal from the conference.

Sources