NSW Police's Armed Response Command carries military rifles on Sydney streets
NSW Police deployed 250 officers in a new armed unit. It was launched after the December 2025 Bondi attack. The officers carry military rifles.
NSW Police launched the Armed Response Command. It has 250 specially trained officers.
Each officer carries an Australian Combat Assault Rifle. The unit cost $94.3 million.
It was created after the Bondi Beach terror attack. It is Australia's first armed police unit of its kind.
Authorities say the armed officers will stop crime. They will respond quickly to serious threats.
They will operate at major events and crowded public spaces. Human rights groups have warned about the unit.
It could lead to intimidation at protests without proper safeguards. Amnesty International called for strong rules.
These would protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. NSW Greens member Sue Higginson described the unit as an intimidation force.
She said it is an escalation of state violence. Police Minister Yasmin Catley defended the measure.
She called it sensible and measured. The unit will patrol high-risk areas.
This includes sporting matches and places of worship.
- $94.3 million
- Unit cost
- 250 specially trained
- Officers in unit
- Bondi Beach, 14 December 2025
- Trigger attack
Why it mattersThe heavily armed unit raises questions about police militarisation. Does it increase safety? Or does it restrict civil freedoms?
AustraliaNSW residents will see armed police patrolling major events, crowded public spaces, and places of worship, changing visible police presence.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
