Key Takeaways
- The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has promised a significant security presence on the streets of Sydney on New Year’s Eve, including police with machine guns and a possible army deployment.
- The premier is in discussions with the commonwealth about deploying the army to guard Jewish sites in NSW, particularly in relation to Operation Shelter, the NSW police operation targeting antisemitic behavior and other hate crimes.
- Minns hopes that people will not be deterred from going out on New Year’s Eve and will show that they will not be cowered or intimidated by terrorists.
- The NSW government is also considering arming the private security group employed by the Jewish community, the Community Security Group (CSG), for future events.
- The premier has not made a final decision about whether the CSG would be granted wider powers to carry guns in public settings and is discussing the issue with the Jewish Board of Deputies.
Introduction to Enhanced Security Measures
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has announced plans to increase security measures on the streets of Sydney on New Year’s Eve, following the massacre of 15 people at Bondi Beach on December 14. Minns stated that some people may find the extra security confronting, but emphasized that "we won’t be mucking around." The premier’s comments come as the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, left open the possibility of deploying troops to guard Jewish sites in NSW. Albanese noted that the NSW government has primary responsibility for law and order, but the commonwealth is willing to provide support to ensure the best possible security measures are in place.
Discussions with the Commonwealth
Minns is in discussions with the commonwealth about deploying the army, particularly in relation to Operation Shelter, the NSW police operation targeting antisemitic behavior and other hate crimes. The premier did not elaborate on the role he thought the army might play, but he is conscious of the security needs of the Jewish community. Minns emphasized that the real test for the government will be ensuring that the Jewish community feels safe in the long term, not just in the short term. He noted that many members of the Jewish community do not feel safe celebrating their religion or gathering as a community, and that this is unacceptable.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Minns hopes that people will not be deterred from going out on New Year’s Eve and will show that they will not be cowered or intimidated by terrorists. The premier encouraged parents and members of the community to celebrate with their family and friends, and noted that a massive police presence will be in place to ensure public safety. Minns acknowledged that the sight of police with big firearms and machine guns may be confronting for some members of the community, but he does not apologize for taking these measures. The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, will reveal more details of security precautions in the next two days.
Arming the Community Security Group
The NSW government is also considering arming the private security group employed by the Jewish community, the Community Security Group (CSG), for future events like Hanukah by the Sea. Minns has not made a final decision about whether the CSG would be granted wider powers to carry guns in public settings, and is discussing the issue with the Jewish Board of Deputies. The premier noted that in locations such as synagogues and schools, the CSG is already armed, and that granting them wider powers may be a small price to pay for ensuring the safety of the Jewish community. Minns emphasized that the safety of the community is the top priority, and that all options are being considered to achieve this goal.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the New South Wales government is taking significant steps to enhance security measures on the streets of Sydney, particularly in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre. The premier’s plans include a massive police presence on New Year’s Eve, possible army deployment, and consideration of arming the Community Security Group. While some members of the community may find these measures confronting, Minns is adamant that they are necessary to ensure public safety. The government will continue to work with the commonwealth and the Jewish community to develop and implement the best possible security measures, with the goal of creating a safe and secure environment for all members of the community.
