“POLICE STATE” Police Powers To Be Strengthened In NSW
New South Wales police will be granted extra powers as the lockdown crisis escalates across the state and public health order loopholes will also be closed to prevent unnecessary travel.
NSW Police Minister David Elliott and Health Minster Brad Hazzard reportedly clashed over the new rules, but they were eventually granted and are expected to be finalised today or early on Friday.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller will be put back in charge of the COVID-19 response in his role as the state emergency operation commander which will see police granted additional powers to enforce public health orders.
Loopholes which allow people to leave Sydney to look at real estate or visit holiday homes will be cracked down on and the singles bubble is also expected to come under scrutiny.
An additional 500 Australian Defence Force officers will reportedly be brought in to join the 300 personnel already on the ground in southwest Sydney to assist police with compliance checks.
