Police to carry long-arm rifles at final Ashes Test in Sydney amid heightened security

New South Wales police will deploy public order and riot squad officers carrying long-arm rifles at the final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground; authorities say the move is not in response to an active or imminent threat.

New South Wales police will deploy officers carrying long-arm rifles at the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Officials have said the deployment is not a response to an active or imminent threat and is intended to help the public feel safe. The move follows heightened policing across the state after a deadly shooting at a Hanukah event in Bondi on 14 December that killed 15 people. Similar armed deployments were used at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and during New Year’s Eve policing in Sydney. Key details: - Public order and riot squad officers will carry long-arm rifles at the final Ashes Test, which begins on Sunday at the SCG. - NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon said the decision is intended to help the public feel safe and is not due to an active or imminent threat. - A capacity crowd of about 48,000 people is expected to attend the match. - The deployment follows the 14 December shooting at Chanukah by the Sea in Bondi that killed 15 people. - Israel offered to host and train senior Australian police and security personnel in a letter from minister Amichai Chikli to home affairs minister Tony Burke; Burke’s office has confirmed receipt of the letter but did not say whether the offer is being considered. - NSW premier Chris Minns has said the state is considering requesting ADF troops to guard Jewish sites and expanding weapons access for the Community Security Group. Summary: The announced deployment will increase visible armed police presence at a major sporting event and is presented by authorities as a reassurance measure. The government has received an international offer of training and state leaders are discussing other security options. Undetermined at this time.