Key Takeaways:
- The New South Wales premier is urging Sydneysiders to come out for New Year’s Eve celebrations despite a heightened police presence
- Over 2,500 police will be deployed throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, with some carrying long-arm weapons
- The police presence is not in response to a specific threat, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure public safety
- The police commissioner has confirmed that long-arm weapons will be carried by police during New Year’s Eve celebrations
- The government is considering deploying military personnel and Australian federal police to assist with security
Introduction to New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The New South Wales premier, Minns, has encouraged Sydneysiders to come out and celebrate New Year’s Eve, despite a heightened police presence in the city. The premier emphasized that the increased police presence is not in response to a specific threat, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. With over 2,500 police officers deployed throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, the city is expected to be one of the safest places to ring in the new year. Minns urged people to show defiance in the face of evil and to spend time with friends and family on Sydney Harbour, emphasizing that safety is the number-one priority.
Police Presence and Security Measures
The police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, has confirmed that long-arm weapons will be carried by police during New Year’s Eve celebrations. This is a clear and deliberate message from the police that safety is the top priority, and they will be acutely aware and alert for any threats affecting the people of the state. General duties officers will be assisted by specialist officers from various commands, including Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, and the Public Order and Riot Squad. The high-visibility policing is designed to make people feel safe in their city, and the police minister, Yasmin Catley, has stated that police have volunteered for extra shifts to ensure a strong presence.
Community Safety and Inclusivity
Minns emphasized that the high-visibility policing is not just about confronting terrorism or crime, but also about making the public feel safe when they’re out with their family in the community. He specifically mentioned that identifiable members of the community, such as the Jewish community or members of the Islamic community, need to feel safe in Australia. The premier condemned reports of an attack on a young woman wearing a headscarf, stating that racial vilification and hate speech laws apply to everyone. He emphasized that it is disgusting to blame a young person for the actions of others and that such behavior is appalling.
Police Resources and Challenges
The police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, acknowledged that there is currently a 2,000 shortfall in police numbers, which is adding to the challenge of providing adequate security. However, he stated that morale remains good, and police are committed to keeping the community safe. Lanyon also mentioned that recruitment and retention are key focuses for the police force, and they need to keep working on these areas to ensure they have sufficient personnel. The police minister, Yasmin Catley, stated that police have volunteered for extra shifts, including during the high-profile policing presence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, known as Operation Shelter.
Potential Deployment of Military Personnel
Minns confirmed that NSW police would be holding discussions with commonwealth officials about possible deployments of defence personnel and the Australian federal police in Sydney. While he could not be more precise about the role the military might play, he stated that the commonwealth had been receptive to offering help. A deployment of military personnel on the streets of Sydney would raise complex issues, including whose rules apply, chains of command, and appropriate duties. Similar issues arose during the 2019 NSW bushfires, when the army and navy assisted with evacuations and early reconstruction efforts.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the New South Wales premier is urging Sydneysiders to come out and celebrate New Year’s Eve, despite a heightened police presence in the city. The police presence is not in response to a specific threat, but rather a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. With over 2,500 police officers deployed throughout the Sydney metropolitan area, the city is expected to be one of the safest places to ring in the new year. The government is considering deploying military personnel and Australian federal police to assist with security, and the police force is committed to keeping the community safe. As the city prepares to celebrate the start of a new year, the focus is on ensuring that everyone feels safe and included, regardless of their background or community.
