ADELAIDE: Authorities have beefed up security for the third Ashes test between Australia and England after the Bondi Beach attack.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas addressed reporters in Adelaide on Monday morning, confirming that additional safety protocols will be implemented at Adelaide Oval ahead of the third Ashes Test match between Australia and England, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, December 17.
Flags at Adelaide Oval were flown at half-mast on Monday as a mark of respect for the victims, and both Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board issued statements expressing horror and solidarity with those affected.
Malinauskas stated that the precautionary nature of the measures are important, stating that South Australian Police had already coordinated closely with venue management. “As is standard for any major event at Adelaide Oval, risk assessments are ongoing,” he said. “In light of yesterday’s events in Sydney, extra protocols will be introduced to ensure public safety.”
He termed the decision as appropriate given the current “heightened sense of alertness” across the country, while praising the proactive response from local law enforcement.
Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board released a joint statement to pay tribute.
“Everybody at Cricket Australia and the England & Wales Cricket Board is horrified by the tragic events at Bondi Beach yesterday evening,” they said.
“All of our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families, the Jewish community and the people of Australia at this deeply distressing time.
“Our condolences go out to all those affected. We stand with you.”
Flags on the Adelaide Oval scoreboard were flown at half-mast on Monday, and there is expected to be a tribute before play begins on Wednesday.
Bondi Beach attack
It is pertinent to mention here that two alleged gunmen who killed 15 people at a Jewish celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach were a father and son, police said on Monday, as Australia mourned victims of its worst gun violence in almost 30 years.
The father, a 50-year-old, was killed at the scene, taking the death toll to 16, while his 24-year-old son was in critical condition in the hospital, police said at a press conference on Monday. Officials have described the shooting on Sunday as a targeted antisemitic attack.
Forty people remain in hospital following the attack, including two police officers who are in a serious but stable condition, police said. The victims were aged between 10 and 87.
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