Sydney is preparing for the most significant security operation in its history as New Year's Eve celebrations approach. Authorities are mobilising a massive force of 3,000 police officers across the metropolitan area and regional centres in a direct response to the deadly Bondi terror attack earlier this year.
Unprecedented Police Presence to Reassure Public
NSW Police Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald addressed the public on Wednesday, confirming that while there are no credible threats to tonight's festivities, the highly visible and heavily armed deployment is intended to allay community fears. "We have approximately 3,000 police who will be out there ensuring that the community is safe and allaying any fears after the Bondi terrorist attack," Fitzgerald stated.
The operation will see officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad equipped with intimidating long-arm weapons, patrolling on land, from the air, and across Sydney's iconic waterways. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon emphasised that the show of force is for reassurance, not due to a specific threat. "Our public order and riot squad will be carrying long arms this year. That does not represent any specific threat. It is to provide reassurance to the community," Lanyon said.
A New Normal for Major Events?
NSW Premier Chris Minns indicated that the sight of police carrying high-powered rifles at major public gatherings could become more common. "I’m just making a self-evident point that police will have different operations and that includes long arms (on New Year’s Eve) and you can expect that into the future," Minns told reporters.
Superintendent Fitzgerald said that whether this level of security becomes standard will be determined after a review of the night's operations. Authorities will analyse after-action reports before making decisions about planning for future large-scale events.
Meanwhile, celebrations are set to proceed across the country. More than a million people are anticipated to gather in Australian capital cities. Sydney will host its famous harbour fireworks, Melbourne will present laser light shows, and Brisbane will feature innovative new drone displays.
Paramedics Issue Stern Warnings to Revellers
As police secure the streets, ambulance services are gearing up for one of their busiest nights. Ambulance Victoria's Andrew Burns warned party-goers of the dangers associated with excessive celebration.
Burns highlighted typical injury patterns linked to excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and illegal fireworks, which can cause catastrophic injuries. He also delivered a forceful message regarding violence towards paramedics, stating unequivocally that assaulting a paramedic is a crime. "Under no circumstance is violence or an aggressive behaviour towards a paramedic acceptable," Burns said. "Please give them space to work. They’re there to help you and they deserve respect."
Police echoed calls for public responsibility, vowing a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour, alcohol-related crime, and serious offences. Superintendent Fitzgerald urged crowds to practice patience and kindness, especially when navigating queues and dense crowds. "Acts of kindness is what we want to go into for the new year," she said.
