Police raised concerns internally about the “optics” of neo-Nazis rallying outside NSW parliament and the impact on the Jewish community more than a week before the National Socialist Network protest, documents reveal.

Texts, emails and briefing notes produced under a parliamentary order also show senior police scrambling after the November 8 protest caught Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Chris Minns unaware.

Police had received a notice of intent to hold the protest on October 28, did not oppose it and failed to inform Lanyon, who blamed a communication error. The government has since flagged new laws cracking down on people who display support for Nazi ideology.

The documents reveal Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, who has acknowledged failing to inform Lanyon of the rally plan

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