Overview
- The Armed Response Command began operations on Sunday with officers conducting high‑visibility patrols across Sydney and rifles carried in purpose‑built vehicles.
- The permanent unit is funded at $94.3 million, will scale to about 250 officers and 28 civilian intelligence and support staff by 2027, and is backed by a 24‑hour operations centre in Surry Hills.
- Officers completed roughly six months of specialist training in rifle use, armed‑offender response, advanced driving and tactical medical care and will target major events, crowded public spaces and places of worship.
- The ARC launch coincides with the first stage of a staged National Gun Buyback, which uses a bookings system at selected stations, runs for 12 months and could see up to 274,000 firearms eligible for surrender.
- Human rights groups and some MPs warn the visible use of long‑range assault rifles risks intimidation and overpolicing and are calling for clear, public rules and independent oversight to limit misuse and protect peaceful protest.