NSW chief justice says Tony Abbott’s criticism of Harbour Bridge march judge ‘misconceived and ignorant’

Tony Abbott in Manchester in October 2025. He has been criticised by NSW chief justice Andrew Bell over social media comments regarding the pro-Palestine Sydney Harbour Bridge march. Photograph: James McCauley/Shutterstock

The chief justice of New South Wales has criticised former prime minister Tony Abbott for what he says was a regrettable, misconceived and ignorant attack on a judge’s decision regarding last year’s pro-Palestine Sydney Harbour Bridge march.

Andrew Bell said in a speech on Thursday evening that Abbott’s post on X in August last year threatened social cohesion.