NSW government admits ex-Greens candidate was battered by police officer at protest

According to ABC News Australia, the New South Wales state government has admitted in court that a police officer battered former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas at a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney last year. Lawyers for the government conveyed the admission in writing during proceedings.

ABC reports that Thomas was injured at the rally and has said she suffered serious health consequences, including a vision impairment. Australian civil-society groups said the admission raises broader questions about police accountability. The officer's identity has not yet been disclosed publicly.

The state government said compensation talks were continuing and that it was awaiting the conclusion of an internal review. ABC notes that the case has reignited national debate about police-protester relations in Australia, and that similar complaints in other states could now be tested in court.