Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, faces criticism for allegedly inciting division after residents on a Lismore street reported harassment and attacks. Police were alerted to Pine Street in the early hours of Saturday following reports of vandalism. Witnesses claimed unknown individuals performed burnouts, harassed locals, and damaged vehicles before fleeing in a black four-wheel drive.
Footage from the night shows attempts to smash a car windshield with a person inside, a metal object being hurled from a moving vehicle amid shouted abuse, fireworks being launched from a car, and a ute doing doughnuts on the street.
The street has been a focal point of controversy due to six homes acquired by the NSW Reconstruction Authority after the 2022 floods, which left 4,000 homes destroyed in an area already struggling with housing shortages. These homes have since been occupied by squatters, leading to community tensions. Minns recently announced plans to demolish these homes, claiming that "overseas visitors, tourists, backpackers" were exploiting the vacant properties and posing safety risks.
Minns stated that the homes were purchased to ensure community safety and that squatting on flood-prone land is not a viable solution to housing issues. He emphasized the need to demolish the homes to move forward in the region.
Sue Higginson, a NSW Greens MLC, argued that Minns' comments exacerbated existing tensions and emboldened those opposed to the squatters. She described the incidents as terrifying and criticized Minns for creating a sense of impunity. Higginson urged the premier to take responsibility for the situation, highlighting the fear and heightened alertness among residents. Minns' office has not provided a comment on the matter.