Specially trained police carrying long-arm rifles have begun patrolling Sydney as authorities strengthen security following the deadly attack at Bondi Beach last December. The deployment places heavily armed officers in busy tourist areas, introducing a level of visible weaponry unfamiliar to many residents.
The Armed Response Command, known as ARC, will also cover major events, including sports matches, and places of worship. New South Wales police say its officers are tasked with preventing and deterring serious threats, as well as responding quickly to incidents involving armed attackers. The command is intended to have a prominent presence across the city, with officers using specialist vehicles and carrying rifles.
The operation follows the killing of 15 people, among them a 10-year-old girl, when two gunmen fired on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on 14 December. Australia's deadliest mass shooting in almost 30 years led to extensive changes to gun laws and a crackdown on hate speech. It also intensified pressure on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government to take immediate steps against antisemitism.
Public reactions to the patrols have differed. One resident interviewed by ABC News expressed unease about the officers' presence and the size of their weapons. Another woman told the broadcaster that seeing armed police made her feel safer. Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans said preserving life was the principle underpinning the command's work.
Jewish communities have welcomed the operation, which is expected eventually to comprise 250 officers. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, acknowledged the discomfort of seeing police equipped with military weapons on Australian streets, but said the sight of body bags was worse.
Amnesty International Australia has raised concerns about the militarisation of policing and sought assurances from the state government that the command will not be deployed to suppress peaceful protests. The organisation's Andrew Witheford said greater police powers and capabilities needed to be matched by publicly available rules, strong independent oversight and accountability.
New South Wales Police Minister Yasmin Catley defended the security measures in comments to the ABC. She said the attack had permanently changed the country and reiterated her view that Australia would never be the same again.
Naveed Akram, one of the alleged gunmen, faces 78 charges. They include 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was also armed and fired at the crowd at Bondi Beach. Police killed him at the scene.
