Heavily armed police patrolling Sydney’s streets “may well be” the new normal, NSW Police Minister says

Sydneysiders will have to get used to seeing heavily armed cops on the city’s streets, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley says, as the state bolsters its police response in the wake of the Bondi massacre. As revellers descended on Sydney Harbour to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, they were greeted with the city’s largest-ever police response, with a record 3000 officers stationed around the metropolitan region – some of which were visibly armed with long arm rifles. Asked about the presence of specialist forces and large weaponry during the New Year’s Eve celebrations and whether it could become the new normal for Sydneysiders, Ms Catley said any move would be “guided by police”. “If that’s what the police ask for, we’re guided by the police, obviously, their operational decisions, (then) yes, it may well be. “So people will have to get used to that … though, it’s to provide a sense of security to crowds. There was no increased threat risk, but if the Commissioner asks to do that, then he will get the support of the government.” NSW Premier Chris Minns had previously warned locals to “expect changes”, including getting used to seeing police with bigger guns beyond New Year’s Eve. “We’re going to be guided by our Police Commissioner and senior commanders of NSW Police as to the best way of protecting the people of NSW but that does require change,” he said on Tuesday. “NSW Police have spoken to us about training more officers in the use of long arm weapons as well as tactical changes on the streets. “It does mean a more visible police presence. It does mean tighter security. It does mean different forms of firearms.” Mr Minns claimed the move was about making “the public feel safe when they’re out with their family in the community”, not just to confront potential threats of terrorism or crime. “We can have no ambiguity about the state’s responsibility to protect the people of New South Wales. It is our highest responsibility … and I know that there’d be a degree of trepidation after the horrible events in December,” he said. “But I want the public to be assured that there is a comprehensive and massive police response to these terrible terrorist events.”