Chris Minns wants more visible weapons on Sydney’s streets to keep us safe.

The New South Wales premier authorised some police to carry assault rifles during this New Year’s Eve celebrations. He’s also in discussions with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, about a role for the army on the streets, while also contemplating whether the private security force that protects Jewish places – the Community Security Group – should be armed too.

It is an understandable reaction to the horror at Bondi on 14 December and his thinking is no doubt driven by a sense of responsibility to act.

“I think you can expect changes now,” he said before New Year’s Eve.

“It’s not just about confronting terrorism or crime, it’s about making the public feel safe when they’re out with their family in the community.

“We can have no ambiguity about the state’s responsibility to protect the people of New South Wales. It is our highest responsibility … and I know that there’d be a degree of trepidation after the horrible events in December.

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“But I want the public to be assured that there is a comprehensive and massive police........

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