“The Australian Defence Force will assist with enforcement of Sydney’s lockdown following a formal request to Prime Minister Scott Morrison from NSW Police.”
“While NSW has previously declined an offer for military assistance with the operation to enforce COVID-19 public health orders, police said an escalation of efforts over the coming days justified the request.”
““With an increase in enforcement activity over the coming week, I have now made a formal request to the Prime Minister for ADF personnel to assist with that operation,” [NSW Police Commissioner] Mr Fuller said.”
““The assistance of the ADF has been essential over the past 18 months – particularly during last year’s border operation, the ongoing hotel quarantine operation and the assistance provided with logistics support in the Police Operations Centre.””
“Last week, Mr Fuller said NSW had passed up an offer of Defence Force assistance in early July because transmission in south-west Sydney was taking place between household contacts, not in public places, and police already had an operation in motion.”
“On Thursday, the state government toughened police powers to enforce public health orders as part of a high-visibility operation.”
“In a statement, [NSW Police Minister] Mr Elliott said thousands of officers would be deployed across Sydney as police were granted new powers to shut down risky businesses, construction sites and public premises.”
“The penalty for not wearing a mask where required has also been increased from $200 to $500.”
“From Friday, residents of eight local government areas across Sydney’s west and south-west will also face tighter rules on exercise, masks and shopping.”
“The eight areas of concern are Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta.”
““The time for warnings is over. I know 99 per cent of the population are furious with the minority who continue to disregard the health orders and put the safety and livelihoods of families at risk,” Mr Elliott said.”
Read more: Defence Force called in to help with Sydney COVID-19 lockdown enforcement (archived)
2021-week30
