8 publishers · first seen Sun, 01 Nov 2026 07:30 UTC · updated Tue, 03 Nov 2026 05:07 UTC
A new police unit, the Armed Response Command (ARC), has begun patrolling Sydney's streets with military assault rifles, marking the first time in Australia. The unit, costing A$94 million, comprises 250 officers and is designed to conduct high-visibility patrols in crowded public spaces, major events, and places of worship. This initiative follows the deadly Bondi Beach attack in December 2025, where two gunmen killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. ARC aims to deter potential attackers and enable rapid response to serious threats. While some Jewish community leaders support the measure, concerns have been raised about the militarization of policing and potential misuse of police powers.
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