Sydney’s new normal will be beefed-up security, with the NSW premier vowing to improve safety as the Jewish community seeks answers following the Bondi terrorist attack.
Chris Minns has flagged a massive police presence at New Year’s Eve celebrations and possible heightened security measures including arming community guards at Jewish events and deploying the army to tackle terror threats.
“We need to make sure that the local communities are safe and that’s my responsibility, we’re not shirking it,” Mr Minns said outside Bondi Pavilion, near where 15 innocent people were killed in the anti-Semitic attack.
Nine people remain in hospital, including three in a critical but stable condition, after a father-son duo inspired by Islamic State targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14.
“The security protocols and resources are going to have to change in Sydney … they’ve changed in Rome and they’ve changed in Paris and they’re going to have to change here,” Mr Minns said.
“I mean, anyone who’s suggesting that we can just have the same regime, the same process that we had in place on December 13 is wrong, those days are over.”
Mr Minns refused to be drawn on criticisms of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has refused to call a federal royal commission despite pressure from the Jewish community.
The premier has called a NSW royal commission that will examine anti-Semitism in the lead-up to the attack.
In an open letter on Monday, 17 families affected by the terror attack called on Mr Albanese to call a commonwealth royal commission that would also examine the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia.
“We need to know why clear warning signs were ignored, how anti-Semitic hatred and Islamic extremism were allowed to dangerously grow unchecked, and what changes must be made to protect all Australians going forward,” the letter said.
“You owe us answers. You owe us accountability. And you owe Australians the truth.”
Mr Albanese on Monday instead announced a snap inquiry into intelligence agencies headed by former spy boss Dennis Richardson that will report by April, saying a royal commission would take too long and immediate action was needed.
“My heart breaks for the families of the victims of the Bondi terrorist atrocity and my heart goes out to them at what is an incredibly traumatic time,” he told reporters in Canberra when asked about the letter.
“My job, as the Australian prime minister, is to act in the national interests. It is in the national interest for us to do the Richardson review on national security.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud lashed the prime minister as “tone deaf”.
He pointed to former Australian Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty saying a commonwealth inquiry was needed as federal agencies weren’t compelled to answer questions in full at the NSW royal commission into the Lindt cafe siege.
Mr Minns said he has been advised the state-based royal commission could access other jurisdictions and heads of agencies.
“And I would expect that to happen,” he said.
The premier noted some Sydneysiders may find the increased security confronting as police carry long arm and machine guns during a heightened presence, and as discussions turn to arming the Community Security Group.
The group is operated by volunteers and support staff to provide a visible presence at synagogues, Jewish events and institutions.
If having armed guards were a deterrent to another shooting or to allow for an elderly Holocaust survivor or Jewish family to feel safe enough to attend large celebrations “then I think that’s a small price to pay”, Mr Minns said.
The premier also announced a community mental health hub at the Bondi pavilion to help people affected by the tragedy.
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