Source : Perth Now news
Teams of police officers carrying long-arm rifles will be visible in the Sydney CBD on Anzac Day in a show of force that senior officers say will be “significant”.
Officers will be present at Dawn Services across the state in a show of force designed to “ensure activities are conducted in a safe manner”, according to NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan.
“We’ll have over 450 police in the CBD throughout the day to ensure the service and later activities in the afternoon are safe and secure,” Mr Dunstan said.
“We’ll also include the deployment of long-armed rifle capability, particularly in and around the CBD. That is not in response to any specific threat, it’s just an additional overlay for our security in large events moving forward from Bondi.
“Police will also be keeping an eye on licensed premises. Obviously, there’s an element of fun associated with the after activities … we will be out in force just to ensure that those activities are conducted in a safe manner.”
Several major events have included the deployment of specialist police officers equipped with high-powered carbine rifles first introduced to the NSW Police arsenal in 2017 but made commonplace in the city in the aftermath of the Bondi shootings.
Anzac Day ceremonies in Melbourne and Perth last year were deliberately hijacked by neo-Nazis who began booing during the Welcome to Country.
When asked whether he believed similar anti-social behaviour could take place in Sydney this year, Mr Dunstan said “there’s always concern, but there is no intelligence to suggest that it’s going to happen this year”.
“We’re obviously monitoring these groups and their online presence, and that’s something that we’re very mindful of,” he said.
With increased transport capabilities across the Sydney public transport network, the message from the NSW government is loud and clear; they want as many people out and about celebrating our veterans.
NSW Minister for Veterans and Indigenous Affaris David Harris said the government was “encouraging people to get out in large numbers”.
“We’re really buoyed by the fact that more and more young people are turning out this Anzac Day and supporting our veteran community. The message is if you can’t get to one of the organised events at 11am, whatever you’re doing, stop and think about those who gave their lives in service of this country,” Mr Harris said.
“This is an important day and we know our community will be really respectful.”
When asked if there was concern that Indigenous veterans might feel concerned for their safety this year, Mr Harris said their service was “a really important part of our Australian story”.
“We have a special Memorial Day here at the War Memorial to honour those people from Indigenous heritage who have served in our armed forces. They will get the same level of respect as all servicemen and women,” he said.
