NSW Premier Chris Minns warns against anti-social behaviour on New Year’s Eve

NSW Premier Chris Minns has labelled anyone planning disruptive behaviour on New Year’s Eve a “d***head” and warned they will be met with the full force of the law as Sydney prepares to ring in 2026 with thousands of armed police on its streets.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Minns confirmed there would be a “different type of policing operation” in Sydney this year in the wake of the Bondi terror attack.

“It’s not normally the case that NSW police officers have long arm (rifles), but they will be deployed on Sydney streets in the run up to New Year’s Eve,” he said.

“And that is a clear and deliberate message from the police that safety is the No. 1 priority, and they will be acutely aware and alert for any threats affecting the people of this state.”

Mr Minns was pressed on how authorities would avoid being heavy handed on the chaotic and busy night.

“I think that in many cases, the policing operations may be different,” he said.

“And if you if you’re down here and you’re intent on causing disruption and ruining other people’s nights or being a d***head, then NSW Police will take action against you.

“And OK, you might not be the worst villain that we’ve ever had in NSW, but there’s going to be thousands of police in metropolitan Sydney tomorrow night, and they’re not going to let you ruin someone else’s night.”

‘Defiance’: Minns encourages Sydney to celebrate

Earlier, Mr Minns had urged Sydneysiders to “show defiance” and celebrate New Year’s Eve as the state’s top cop confirmed thousands of armed officers would be patrolling the city’s streets.

Mr Minns said he hoped families would make the trip out to the CBD and Harbour areas to ring in the new year.

“We want to make it clear that if families and the community are thinking about coming to Sydney Harbour to spend some time in the community with their friends, we’re hoping that they do it,” he said.

“Terrorism thrives on fear. What the terrorists hope is that people crawl up in a ball and don’t go about living their normal lives.

“But we need to show defiance in the face of this evil, and the best way of doing that is to spend some time with your friends and your family on New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour.”

Mr Minns also flagged the changes to police carrying long arm rifles, saying: “I think you can expect changes now. We’re going to be guided by our Police Commissioner and the senior commanders of NSW Police as the best way of protecting the people of NSW.”

Permission to carry long-arm rifles had been granted to police, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed, while urging the public not to feel afraid of the heavy police presence.

“I want the community not only to be safe but feel safe, so if you’re a community member … please feel reassured when you see police in town,” he said.

“As the Premier indicated, our public order and riot squad will be carrying long arms this year, that does not represent any specific threat.

“It is to provide reassurance to the community.”

Mr Lanyon confirmed this year’s celebrations would mark a “record” police presence, with about 3000 officers to be deployed in the metropolitan Sydney area, including a concentrated police presence around Sydney Harbour and the Opera House.

“We want to make sure that the community know they can come to these events safely. We’re prepared to put as many police as we need to make that happen,” he said.