Major cities will be on red alert for Australia Day as anti-terrorism measures such as semi-automatic weapons, x-ray machines and large vehicles blocking roads are brought in to stop any potential attacks.
New South Wales police are calling Friday’s measures ‘Operation Australia’ and thousands of people will go through bag checks and road blocks, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Concerts by The Wiggles in Darling Harbour, a concert on the steps of the Sydney Opera House and fireworks at Circular Quay will keep people entertained into the evening.
The security measures will be similar to those introduced for Boxing Day shoppers, when trucks and bollards were set up to protect people from any potential attacks.
‘The first thing you can expect is to see more police, a high-visibility police presence and seeing more police on the street,’ NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said.
Major cities will be on red alert for Australia Day as anti-terrorism measures such as semi-automatic weapons, x-ray machines and large vehicles blocking roads are brought in to stop any potential attacks
The terror threat is at probably, and police will use ‘special weapons’ if necessary including the Colt M4 automatic rifle.
Meanwhile in Melbourne police are preparing for riots, and have warned demonstrators there will be no tolerance for thuggish behaviour.
The main focus for Victoria Police will be on the city and at St Kilda, where the True Blue Crew and United Patriots Front have planned a party on the beach.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Andrew Crisp told the Herald Sun people should enjoy themselves on Australia Day.
‘Have a family barbecue, enjoy yourself – that’s fine, but if you do intend to upset other people in that particular area, then be prepared for a significant police response.
‘We are more than happy to facilitate people to engage in peaceful protests as is everyone’s right.’
Police Minister Lisa Neville said the ‘full force of the law’ would be ‘brought to bear’ on any violent protests.
Cockroach races, thong-throwing contests and citizenship ceremonies have become Australia Day staples but not all will be celebrating this year amid “Invasion Day” marches and debate about changing the date.
As disagreement intensifies over shifting the public holiday from the January 26 anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788, both major political parties remain determined the date will stand, while the Greens have vowed to lead a campaign for change.
New South Wales police are calling Friday’s measures ‘Operation Australia’ and thousands of people will go through bag checks and road blocks
On one side of the argument firmly lies former prime minister Tony Abbott, who plans to get in an early surf on Friday before attending an RSL barbecue and enjoying the day.
“I will be out there with thousands of my fellow northern beaches residents saying ‘To be an Australian is to have won the lottery of life’,” he said of his plans for the day.
“Sure, we are not perfect but modern Australia began on the 26th of January 1788, British settlement was a very good thing and let’s make the most of what we’ve got.”
An Institute of Public Affairs poll released on Wednesday suggests most Australians agree with Mr Abbott, with 70 per cent of 1000 respondents saying the day should remain January 26, while 11 per cent disagree.
On the other side of the argument will be thousands of people at Invasion Day marches around the country, who believe the day which marks the arrival of Europeans is offensive to Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.
More than 5000 are expected at a rally outside the Victorian Parliament and similar numbers will walk in Sydney, starting from The Block in Redfern.
The security measures will be similar to those introduced for Boxing Day shoppers, when trucks and bollards were set up to protect people from any potential attacks
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will be in Canberra for a citizenship ceremony and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will attend events in his Melbourne electorate.
More than 16,000 people are due to become Australian citizens across the country on Friday but several councils in Melbourne and Perth have been barred from holding ceremonies after voting to ignore Australia Day in support for indigenous groups.
Others will gather for barbecues in parks and backyards.
So what’s on the grill?
Native animals including emu, kangaroo and buffalo will be thrown on the barbie at the Berry Springs Tavern in the Northern Territory.
The less adventurous will opt for more traditional meat, poultry and game products, if National Health Survey results ring true, with the waft of lamb and seasonal sausages likely to fill the air.
But party guests are increasingly unlikely to stand around the barbecue with a beer in hand as the amber fluid becomes less popular among drinkers, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Concerts by The Wiggles in Darling Harbour, a concert on the steps of the Sydney Opera House and fireworks at Circular Quay will keep people entertained into the evening
Just don’t tell punters at Brisbane’s Story Bridge Hotel, which will host an iconic afternoon of cockroach races.
A whopping 300,000 spectators are expected to swarm to Perth’s Australia Day fireworks show.
A string of Adelaide councils are expected to cancel and reschedule planned Australia Day community events due to extreme heat forecasts for Friday, with temperatures tipped to hit 39 degrees in parts of the city.
A parade featuring more than 1000 participants from over 80 community and cultural groups will stream along Swanston Street in the Melbourne CBD.
The Wiggles will put on a show at Sydney’s Darling Harbour which will also host to a thong-throwing competition and wife-carrying race.
The terror threat is at probably, and police will use ‘special weapons’ if necessary including the Colt M4 automatic rifle