Sydney’s new Armed Response Command began operations after preparations following the Bondi Beach attack. New South Wales authorities say it strengthens their response to serious threats. Amnesty International wants public rules and independent scrutiny, while police distinguish the command’s role from public-order policing and acknowledge it could be present near threatened gatherings.
The Armed Response Command, a specialist unit of the police in Australia’s New South Wales state, began operations in Sydney on Sunday. Its launch follows preparations after the December attack at Bondi Beach. Authorities describe the command as a means of responding more quickly to serious threats.[1], [2]
The state allocated 94.3 million Australian dollars to the programme, with a planned complement of 250 officers. Police identified major events, sporting fixtures, crowded public spaces and places of worship among patrol locations. Selected officers underwent six months of specialist training. Alex Ryvchin, a representative of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, welcomed the increased preparedness after criticism of police resources at Bondi. Officers patrol in specialist vehicles and carry rifles.[1]
Amnesty International Australia called for public rules, independent oversight and safeguards for peaceful protest. Greens legislator Sue Higginson argued that armed patrols could intimidate demonstrators. Commander Andrew Evans said a different specialist unit handles public order, but his officers could be nearby if information indicated that a gathering faced an armed attack. Police Minister Yasmin Catley defended the programme as a measured response.[1]
