Yesterday, 16th of September, NSW riot police broke up  a socially distanced rally at USyd, issuing $9000 in fines. 

Students and staff were protesting cuts to staff jobs, and cuts across the university. Hundreds of staff are facing redundancy as the University continues to turn a profit. Students and staff united for a public action against the cuts. 

The action was socially distanced, in groups of less than 20. Students, casual and permanent staff from a wide range of faculties all wore masks, and marshals ensured good covid saftey was being practiced. Despite these measures, the protest was still broken up by riot police.

Members of the public were free to shop, study and socialise without any of these precautions, however those who took the extra steps to ensure good health and then protest were repressed. This situation is incredibly worrying, as it appears the health order is not intended to promote good health at all, but provides police unprecedented power to shut down protest. 

This fundraiser is being organised by Tom, an activist at USyd, on behalf of the students who were fined. Extra money will be used to cover legal costs or diverted for further fines.