Police will carry long-arm rifles at the final Ashes Test in Sydney as part of heightened security measures following the Bondi terror attack. The New South Wales police confirmed that public order and riot squad officers would be armed at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from Sunday, mirroring similar deployments at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and New Year's Eve events.
The NSW police commissioner, Mal Lanyon, emphasised that the decision was not due to any active or imminent threat, but to reassure the public. "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," he said. A capacity crowd of about 48,000 is expected for the final Test, which Australia leads 3-1.
The move comes after 15 people were killed in a shooting at a Hanukah event at Bondi beach on 14 December. In response, Israel has offered to train Australian police, with the Israeli minister for diaspora affairs, Amichai Chikli, writing to home affairs minister Tony Burke. The NSW premier, Chris Minns, is also considering requesting Australian Defence Force troops to guard Jewish sites and expanding weapons access for the Community Security Group.
First responders to the Bondi attack will be recognised in an on-field tribute before play on Sunday. In Melbourne, officers carrying semi-automatic rifles were deployed at the Boxing Day Test, with Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush saying similar measures would be considered for other major events.
