00:00Specialist police, armed with semi-automatic rifles, are set to patrol the MCG for the
00:04Boxing Day test, as authorities move to strengthen security following the Bondi terror attack.
00:10We are doing this to provide reassurance to the public that we are here always to keep
00:17them safe, but also as a deterrent.
00:21Police confirmed officers would conduct overt patrols around the stadium, including concourse
00:25areas and key access points, such as Yarra Park, Birrung Ma and Jollymont Railway Station.
00:32Police said the decision was a proactive measure based on the current threat environment, not
00:37a response to any specific intelligence.
00:40Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the increased presence was designed to reassure fans attending
00:45one of the country's biggest sporting events, adding it was possible similar measures could
00:50become more common at major events, including the Australian Open, depending on ongoing risk
00:55assessments.
