Counter terrorism chief assures safety at Ashes Test
One of Australia’s top counter-terrorism officials says crowds flocking to the last Ashes Test can be confident the sold-out event will be safe.
Police said a stepped-up security operation was necessary to ensure public safety following the Bondi attack, in which two gunmen killed 15 people and injured dozens at a Hanukkah celebration in just two suburbs.
Heavily armed uniformed and mounted police, as well as public order and riot squads, will patrol the Sydney Cricket Ground match from Sunday.
Some will be equipped with long-armed rifles that will serve as high-visibility patrols.
Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, boss of NSW Police’s counter-terrorism team, said officers were not given the weapons because of a specific threat.
“I want to emphasize that there is no active or imminent threat,” he said.
“All PORS officers are rifle trained and have been for some time; this does not reflect any recent changes in capability or weaponry.”
The measures mirror those in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where specialist police were armed with semi-automatic rifles and patrolled the packed stadium, a nearby park and the railway centre.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon assured SCG-goers they could gather in large crowds without worry.
“Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events, but our aim here is to help the public feel safe and the police will be on duty,” Mr Lanyon said.
The victims of the Bondi massacre, first responders and community members will be honored with an on-site memorial ceremony that will include a guard of honor and round of applause recognizing the efforts and service of emergency response agencies and community members.
A packed crowd will be present on day one of the iconic Pink Test, which is dedicated each year to raising awareness and funds for cancer care.
Seven people remain in hospitals in Sydney following the December 14 Bondi attack.
Six people are in stable condition, one is in critical but stable condition.
Naveed Akram, 24, accused of mass murder, faces 59 charges, including 15 murders, in connection with the shootings.
He was shot by police at the scene and remained in a coma for days before being charged.
His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by the police.
