The Deputy Commissioner of New South Wales (NSW) police has voiced strong opposition to proposals for private security personnel, particularly those working with the Jewish community, to carry firearms at events. David Hudson told a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion on Monday that allowing such a measure could be perceived as 'favouritism' and undermine social cohesion.
The royal commission is currently scrutinising security provisions for the Jewish community, with some witnesses advocating for the Community Security Group (CSG) to be armed. This push follows a terror attack in Bondi, which prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to state his government was 'actively' considering expanding gun access for the CSG. The CSG, comprised of security professionals and trained volunteers, is responsible for monitoring threats and providing security for Jewish gatherings, with its guards currently permitted to carry weapons at schools and synagogues.
Deputy Commissioner Hudson emphasised that the primary responsibility for community protection rests with the police. He expressed a 'strong preference' for a 'user pays' model, where event organisers or venues fund a police presence, citing the example of Westfield after a 2024 knife attack. Hudson articulated that the police force generally opposes individual communities, including the Jewish community, being granted special privileges regarding arms or body armour, fearing it could exacerbate tensions between different societal groups.
Conversely, risk consultant Gavriel Schneider informed the commission that armed private security for open-air events could serve as a 'valuable alternative or support' to existing police resources. This view was echoed by Robert Gregory, President of the Australian Jewish Association, who asserted that the Jewish community would not feel safe at open-air events without armed protection. Gregory called for a government review of the protective capabilities of licensed security guards, highlighting that police cannot always be present.
The royal commission's interim report, while not identifying any legal gaps that could have prevented a recent shooting, did recommend enhanced coordination of policing at Jewish festivals and events. The commission heard that only four officers were allocated to a Chanukah by the Sea event in December, which was expected to draw 2,000 attendees. In response to the Bondi terror attack, NSW police have since introduced an armed response command and a 24-hour operations centre to liaise with the CSG for major Jewish events.