In an unprecedented security move for an Australian sporting event, police officers armed with rifles will be on patrol at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the final Ashes test match. The heightened measures come directly in response to the deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach just three weeks ago.
Visible Security to Reassure the Public
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon addressed the public on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, confirming the increased armed presence. He stated that the objective is to help the public feel safe during the sold-out event, which begins on Sunday.
"Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events, but our objective here is to help the public feel safe and police will be out in force," Commissioner Lanyon explained. "The difference will be in the visibility of long-arms and a stronger presence."
He was keen to stress that there is no specific threat to the community and that officers will otherwise be focusing on their usual duties of managing anti-social and unsafe behaviour.
Response to Bondi Beach Tragedy
The decisive security planning follows the horrific attack on 14th December, when two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi. The assault resulted in 15 fatalities and left many more injured.
As of this weekend, seven victims remain in hospital. Six are reported to be in a stable condition, while one is critically ill but stable.
One of the accused gunmen, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, is now facing 59 charges relating to the attack, including 15 counts of murder. Akram was shot by police at the scene and later awoke from a coma to be formally charged. His father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was killed by police during the incident.
Coordinated Security for Major Events
The security posture for the Sydney test mirrors the approach taken for the fourth Ashes match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which began on 26th December. There, specialist officers armed with semi-automatic rifles were also deployed around the stadium, a nearby park, and the railway station.
The overall security operation for the Sydney match will involve a multi-faceted force. Alongside the officers carrying rifles, the public will see uniformed police, mounted units, and officers from the public order and riot squad.
This coordinated display underscores a significant shift in the visible security protocol for major public events in Australia in the wake of recent violence.
