The New South Wales Government will make Operation Shelter a permanent rapid response unit within the NSW Police Force, expanding its role following the Bondi Beach terror attack and a rise in religiously motivated incidents across the state.
Announcing the change on Tuesday, Premier Chris Minns said the reform would embed a high-visibility, intelligence-led policing capability able to respond quickly to threats, patrol high-risk areas and maintain a presence at places of worship, major events and crowded public spaces.
“The safety of the people of New South Wales is our number one priority. This is about putting the right structure in place so police are always ready,” Mr Minns said.
“Operation Shelter has worked. Making it permanent means we’re building on what we know delivers real results.
“People want to see police where it matters, at major events, near places of worship, and in busy public spaces. This ensures that presence is consistent, because our security challenges have changed and our policing model needs to change with them.”
Operation Shelter was first launched in October 2023 amid heightened tensions in Sydney, including large protests and a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. Police at the time said the operation aimed to strengthen the Force’s handling of major protests and high-risk events through coordinated intelligence gathering, increased patrols and close monitoring of potential threats around houses of worship, transport hubs and other busy locations.
Under the new structure, the unit will operate around the clock and shift from a reactive surge model to a standing rapid response capability. The Government said the unit will comprise about 250 dedicated police officers and 28 civilian staff, supported by modified rapid-response vehicles. Officers will no longer be rotated out of existing Police Area Commands.
The reform includes a permanent long arm policing capability for high-profile public buildings, places of worship and mass gatherings across Sydney. A 24-hour specialised Police Operations Centre will provide tasking, real-time coordination and surge management, including training, logistics and intelligence support.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said the decision followed the Bondi Beach attack, which the Government has described as the worst terror incident in Australia’s history.
“What happened at Bondi has etched a permanent scar onto our community,” Ms Catley said.
“We are responding decisively by establishing a new, rapid response capability to detect and respond to threats.
“Police do extraordinary work and this is about giving them the tools they need to continue to keep the community safe in the wake of the worst terror incident we’ve ever seen in this country.”
The Government said the model aligns with practices in parts of Europe. In January 2026, a senior NSW Police Force delegation travelled to Germany and the United Kingdom to study approaches to policing and emergency management. Currently, NSW Police relies on temporary surge operations to disrupt crime and reassure the community.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said a permanent structure was necessary in the current security environment.
“In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attacks, it is essential that we are able to provide an enhanced rapid response with long-arm capability,” Commissioner Lanyon said.
“Similar specialised police units are already operational overseas and form an important part of public safety operations in several countries in Europe.
“Our priority is not only ensuring the community is safe, but that people also feel safe, while providing a deterrence to anyone who wants to do harm and support our frontline operational police.”
The expansion will also include additional Multicultural Liaison Officers and Senior Multicultural Liaison Officers to strengthen engagement with diverse communities.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the Government would continue working closely with communities across the state.
“NSW’s strength comes from our diversity, and we are committed to working hand-in-hand with our multicultural communities to strengthen cohesion, build trust, and ensure every person feels safe, respected and included,” Mr Kamper said.
“Our multicultural communities are at the heart of modern New South Wales, and this work ensures we can continue to foster understanding and unity across our state.”
The reform builds on earlier measures, including changes to firearms laws, stricter licensing and storage requirements, a national gun buyback, new offences banning the public display of terrorist organisation symbols, and updated powers around public assemblies following terrorism events.
President of the Police Federation Kevin Morton said the change recognised a shift in the policing environment.
“I commend the leadership of this government led by Chris Minns on this Australia first policing reform,” Mr Morton said.
“Minister Catley and Commissioner Lanyon have recognised the nature of policing in this state changed on December 14th and have responded to provide the community the safety the people of NSW need and deserve.
“This trailblazing police command will provide NSW police officers with the equipment and rapid deployment needed to keep them, and the community safe.”
The permanent unit is expected to begin operating under its new structure later this year, marking a shift away from short-term surge deployments towards an ongoing rapid response capability across Sydney.
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