Nothing off the table as premier vows security beef-up
Nothing is off the table as the state sets its sights on radical, sweeping changes to security protocols to “rebuild Jewish life” in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack.
More than two weeks after bullets rained down on unsuspecting congregations celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, NSW Premier Chris Minns has signaled major changes to the state’s approach to security.
The Prime Minister said: “We must do things completely differently. The current situation cannot continue.” he said.
“We have a huge challenge ahead of us to rebuild Jewish life in Sydney, so I’m not taking anything off the table.”
On December 14, 15 people were killed by two Islamic State-inspired gunmen and many more were injured in the worst terrorist attack in the country.
The provincial government is actively considering using the volunteer-run Community Security Group (CSG) to protect synagogues and Jewish events to ensure greater community safety.
The Prime Minister confirmed the organization was in contact with NSW Police weeks before the Bondi attack due to the increased risks to Hanukkah celebrations.
“We need to take a longer, deeper look at the weaponization of the CSG,” Mr. Minns said on Sunday.
“This is a step we haven’t taken in the past, but when it comes to making sure the Jewish community feels safe within their community… we need to be able to demonstrate and demonstrate that security is in place to deal with the threat.
“We cannot have a situation where we build higher walls and the Jewish community is trapped in their homes or synagogues.”
NSW is preparing to enter the new year with a more visible security presence to send a message following the Bondi attack.
“We don’t normally see long-armed firearms on the streets of Sydney, but NSW Police will have them and that will be confronting for some people,” Mr Minns said.
He added that feedback from parents indicated they would feel safer with increased police presence.
“This includes the firepower needed to confront some evil terrorists on a bridge at Bondi if these conditions are repeated.”
Following the terror attack, the NSW government introduced a raft of new measures, including a crackdown on hate speech and tighter firearms restrictions.
Public gatherings were restricted in parts of Sydney for 14 days after terrorist incidents were declared, with a ban on certain types of protests.
