Police ramp up Brisbane NYE security following Bondi shooting

Weeks after the fatal Bondi Beach shooting sent shockwaves around the country over public security, police plan to ramp up their presence for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Brisbane.

Hours before thousands of people were expected to crowd along the Brisbane River for the annual fireworks displays, the Queensland Police Service said there was no known direct threat to the city’s revellers.

Police said the terror attack in Sydney continued to have a “flow-on effect into every community’s feeling of safety and wanting to be out and celebrate”.Credit: Glenn Hunt

“We recognise that the devastating, distressing events that occurred in Bondi recently have resonated through our communities, and feelings of safety amongst our communities,” Acting Chief Superintendent Heath McQueen said.

He would not confirm whether Queensland police would be armed with long-arm weapons, following reports NSW police would carry large, long-arm weapons for the first time at New Year’s Eve celebrations in that state.

“We are expecting big numbers, but we have a major and events planning unit. This is what they do regularly, this is not their first event.

“On the back of [the Bondi shooting], we’ve also obviously had a good look at our planning.

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“Even though we do it well, we can always make sure that we’re on top of things.”

The Story Bridge will be lit up at 7.30pm on New Year’s Eve to honour the victims of the Bondi terror attack, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

Police on Wednesday morning reiterated that the horror of the Bondi Beach attack on December 14 was at the forefront of preparations.

“The QPS recognises that the recent devastating and distressing events at Bondi continue to have a flow-on effect into every community’s feeling of safety and wanting to be out and celebrate.

“Public safety continues to be the QPS’s highest priority. The service reassures the community that there is no known direct threat to NYE celebrations in Brisbane or across Queensland at this time.”

The state government has promised to crack down on hate speech and gun crime following the Bondi attack.

“We will do everything we can to stamp out hate and antisemitism and make sure the Jewish community, particular in Queensland, feels safe and loved,” Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Monday.

Premier David Crisafulli on Tuesday said the government was looking at what NSW has done with banning slogans and symbols.

“[We’re] also working with the federal government in relation to their federal legislation around hate speech.”

He said the LNP had been on the record for a decade calling for action against increasing gun crime, and the government was looking into harsher action against people stealing guns, and considering the introduction of a drive-by shooting offence.

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