Minns encourages attendance of New Year’s Eve celebrations as an act of defiance against terrorism

The New South Wales government and the City of Sydney have made last-minute changes to New Year's Eve plans, in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.

Transcript

00:00The main message from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns is to continue showing up tomorrow

00:06to New Year's Eve celebrations across the city as an act of defiance against terrorism.

00:13Now about two and a half thousand police officers will be on patrol at popular firework vantage

00:18points throughout the city with members of the public order and riot squad to carry long-armed

00:25firearms. Now hearing from Mr Minns a short time ago he said that his main aim is to have

00:31less guns in the community and more in the arms of police officers as a visible sign of safety and

00:37not one to cause concern. It's not just about confronting terrorism or crime it's about making

00:44the public feel safe when they're out with their family in the community and for identifiable members

00:50of our community for example the Jewish community or for example members of the Islamic community

00:55where it's quite easy to determine their religion then we need to make sure that they feel safe

01:00in Australia and that does mean a more visible police presence. It does mean tighter security,

01:08it does mean police use different forms of firearms. Premier Chris Minns will also meet with his federal

01:15counterparts today as they discuss whether or not to bring in additional resources such as the

01:20Australian federal police and troops from the army. Okay Courtney and there will also be a tribute to

01:27the victims of the Bondi terror attack on the night. What do we know about that? Yeah they will be Mel

01:33and we will see a projection of a menorah onto the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is a last

01:39minute addition. Previously the city of Sydney had planned on projecting an image of a dove and the word

01:46peace onto the bridge instead but following calls from more than 30 Jewish creatives they asked for

01:51a more traditional Jewish symbol instead. They believe that this would better show a rise in

01:56anti-semitism here in Sydney. Now just before the main event at midnight there will be a minute of

02:02silence at 11 o'clock where people across Sydney and across the world are encouraged to remember those

02:07who were killed in the attack just two weeks ago. All right Courtney Barrett-Peters there thanks very much.

02:16you