“We cannot allow these individuals to triumph. It’s crucial to demonstrate resilience by gathering with loved ones as we approach the New Year,” he remarked today.
Furthermore, he assured that substantial security measures would be in place for those eager to celebrate.
“The NSW Police will be deployed in large numbers, equipped with firearms and weapons that are not commonly seen,” he noted.
He further clarified that officers would be armed with longarms, which is unusual for the NSW Police force.
Minns acknowledged that this might be “disconcerting for some,” but emphasized that the primary duty of the state government is to ensure safety.
He also mentioned that discussions were underway regarding the potential involvement of the military in general security operations.
Outside the December 31 celebrations, Minns, alongside Waverley Council Mayor Will Nemesh, and Jobs Minister Steve Kamper, urged Sydneysiders to come back to Bondi to support local businesses, who they said had been doing it tough since the attack.
“When the terrorist attack unfolded, our local businesses became refuges and safe havens,” Nemesh said.
“Now it is our turn to back our local businesses.”
Anecdotally, businesses have said foot traffic had been slower than usual for the time of year, and bookings had been cancelled in the two weeks since the terror attack.
”We need you to return to Bondi,” Minns said.
“This is a great opportunity for you to show your support for the local community.”
Businesses within two blocks of the site of the attack have access to support packages of up to $25,000.
Plans to shut down prayer halls
Community prayer halls could be shut down under new legislation being prepared by the state government, if they are found to give a podium to “hate preachers”.
“No organisation that preaches hate should have access to any government money under any circumstances,” Minns said.
He said the government could even cut off such buildings from power and water as part of a shutdown.
And he said the hate speech laws were not targeting the Islamic community.
“Our hate speech laws in NSW apply to everybody. Anybody who is preaching hate to any part of our community is subject to some of the toughest penalties in Australia,” he said.
It is unknown how retroactively the penalties will reply. Minns did not delve into specifics but said there was “no statute of limitations” on hate speech.
“We will need legislation for tougher penalties and more onerous regulations,” he said.
