Australia is actively considering the unprecedented deployment of its military to safeguard Jewish sites, a significant escalation in security measures following a recent terror attack in Bondi. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed discussions are underway regarding potential Australian Defence Force (ADF) involvement, alongside an immediate decision to deploy heavily armed police for Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. These moves underscore a profound shift in the state’s approach to public safety and counter-terrorism.
Premier Minns described the prospect of ADF support for civilian security as a “significant shift” for the state, acknowledging its departure from traditional protocols. While refraining from pre-empting a final decision, he openly flagged the discussions, stating he would “not rule anything out” in the interest of public protection. This consideration highlights the gravity with which authorities are addressing the heightened threat landscape.
The Premier emphasised that existing security arrangements proved inadequate in preventing the recent Bondi attack, necessitating a comprehensive review. He stated that despite police presence, it was “clearly not enough to deal with the threat,” tragically demonstrated by the incident. A forthcoming Royal Commission will thoroughly examine intelligence sharing protocols, the efficacy of police responses, and strategies for protecting vulnerable communities across New South Wales.
As an immediate and visible response, Mr Minns confirmed that New South Wales Police would be equipped with long-arm firearms during Sydney’s globally renowned New Year’s Eve festivities. This measure, a departure from typical street policing in Sydney, aims to reassure the public and project a strong deterrent presence. The Premier acknowledged that the sight might be “confronting for some people” but deemed it essential for public confidence.
Further security enhancements under active consideration include the potential arming of the Community Security Group (CSG), which currently provides volunteer security at Jewish community events. This represents another unprecedented step for the state, according to Mr Minns. Authorities are determined to ensure that security provisions are robust enough to effectively respond to severe threats, signalling a proactive stance against potential future incidents.
The catalyst for these discussions was the terror attack earlier this month in Bondi, where a father and son opened fire on a crowd attending a Jewish festival. The horrific incident resulted in the deaths of 15 people and left at least 40 injured. Police investigators swiftly categorised the assault as an act of religiously motivated extremism, aligning with the ideology of the Islamic State group.
During the attack, the father was fatally shot by responding officers at the scene, while the son was apprehended and subsequently remanded in custody. He faces 59 charges, including one count of committing a terrorist act. Authorities are meticulously investigating how the perpetrators managed to execute the daylight attack, despite existing security measures that were in place at the event.
Premier Minns formally announced the establishment of a New South Wales Royal Commission in the wake of the attack. Its mandate includes scrutinising potential intelligence failures, assessing police resourcing levels, and evaluating whether warnings regarding security risks were adequately assessed and acted upon prior to the tragic event. The commission seeks to identify systemic vulnerabilities and recommend improvements.
Security was already significantly heightened during a vigil held last Sunday, marking one week since the attack and coinciding with the final night of Hanukkah. During this solemn event, police officers openly carried long-arm firearms, and snipers were strategically positioned on rooftops overlooking Bondi, demonstrating a tangible increase in protective measures for the community.
Addressing concerns that a heavily armed police presence might unnerve the public, Premier Minns asserted that many residents, particularly parents, expressed support for a stronger visible security posture. He conveyed that a major police presence, equipped with “the firepower that is required to confront some evil terrorists on a bridge in Bondi if those circumstances were to repeat,” would provide greater comfort.
