As Australia prepares for the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, authorities have announced unprecedented security measures, including the deployment of police carrying long-arm rifles at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The move — rare for Australian sporting events — comes in the wake of the December 14 Bondi Beach terror attack, which killed 15 people and injured dozens, prompting a nationwide reassessment of public safety at large gatherings.
Long-Armed Police to Patrol SCG
Police with long-arm rifles will patrol the SCG from Sunday as part of a high-visibility security operation designed to reassure the public and deter any potential threat. Officers armed with long rifles — a departure from normal practice at cricket matches — will be deployed alongside uniformed police, mounted units and public order and riot squad officers.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the enhanced presence is precautionary, emphasising that there is no specific or imminent threat to the Ashes Test crowd, expected to fill the stadium. “Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events,” he said, “but our objective here is to help the public feel safe and police will be out in force.”
Why Security Has Been Stepped Up
The decision to arm officers visibly at a major sporting event reflects a broader shift in security policy across Australia following the ISIS-inspired attack at Bondi Beach, where two assailants opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring around 40. One suspect, Naveed Akram, has been charged with multiple murders and other offences in connection with the attack.
The Ashes Test at the SCG is less than five kilometres from Bondi Beach, increasing sensitivity around public safety. Authorities say the long-arm rifles and bolstered police footprint are meant to provide public reassurance and demonstrate preparedness — not because of intelligence about a specific plot targeting the match.
Security Measures Mirror Earlier Events
This is not the first time such measures have been used in recent weeks. Specialist police carrying semi-automatic rifles and conducting heightened patrols were also seen at the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) late last month, where officers monitored the stadium perimeter, nearby parks and transport hubs.
Similarly, Sydney experienced a major security operation on New Year’s Eve, with around 2,500 officers deployed across the city — including rifle-carrying units — despite no specific threats being identified. These efforts were part of a wider strategy to protect crowded public spaces and reinforce a sense of safety across high-profile events.
Public Reassurance Vs. Normalcy
While officials insist the firearms are intended to reassure, reactions among the public and commentary circles have been mixed. Some observers say a strong security presence helps people feel safe attending large events, while others worry that visible weapons could create an atmosphere of fear rather than comfort. Regardless, authorities have stressed that the threat level in New South Wales has not formally increased since the Bondi attack.
Police have also reiterated that armed officers will focus on broader safety and crowd management, not solely counterterrorism, and will continue to address typical event policing responsibilities such as anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.
Tributes and Community Unity at the SCG
In addition to security measures, Cricket Australia has planned several tributes at the Ashes Test in recognition of the victims of the Bondi attack, as well as first responders and community heroes. These commemorations will include an on-field guard of honour and a round of applause before play, underscoring the sport’s role in national solidarity during a period of mourning and recovery.
Cricket officials and local leaders have emphasised the importance of community resilience and unity in the face of last month’s tragedy, urging fans to attend and support one another while respecting heightened safety protocols.
Balancing Safety and Celebration
As sporting fans gather to watch one of cricket’s most anticipated fixtures, authorities say the enhanced security should allow spectators to enjoy the Ashes Test with confidence. The presence of long-armed police reflects a broader national discussion on how best to protect public spaces and major events in the wake of evolving security concerns.
Whether this marks a temporary response to an extraordinary context or the beginning of a longer-term shift in event security norms remains to be seen. For now, however, organisers and police are committed to ensuring that what should be a celebration of sport is also a safe and memorable occasion for all attendees.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
