Quoted By:
On Saturday, it was revealed that a 26 November document produced by the Jewish Community Security Group NSW (CSG NSW) warned NSW Police of a heightened risk of violent antisemitism during the Chanukah by the Sea event.
When quizzed about it, the premier flagged that arming CSG NSW would also be considered.
"Clearly from media reports and my own enquiries, that CSG was in contact with NSW Police, and while there were police on site, clearly not enough to deal with the threat as history's tragically shown," he said.
"Now that means a root and branch change to security protocols and provisions in place.
"It also means we need to have a longer, deeper look at arming CSG. Now that is a step that we haven't taken in the past."
Firearms 'confronting for some people'
The changed protocols for police, described by Minns as "absolutely necessary" to restore community confidence, will see some officers holding long-fire arms.
"I want to send a clear message that NSW Police will be out in massive numbers," he said.
"In some cases, carrying firearms and weapons that you haven't seen before.
"We haven't normally seen on the streets of Sydney, long-armed firearms, but NSW Police will have them and that will be confronting for some people."
While no details were provided on how many of these types of weapons would be out on the streets and where, they were in use at last Sunday's Day of Reflection.
Snipers on roofs and heavily-armed officers could be seen with the weapons at the event, which was held to honour the 15 people killed and the dozens more injured in the mass shooting on 14 December.
