NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has confirmed he has made a formal request to the federal government for Australian Defence Force (ADF) assistance with the ongoing COVID-19 compliance operation in Sydney.
The NSW Police Force will significantly expand its enforcement activities in Sydney over the coming days and has requested 300 ADF personnel to boost its operational footprint.
Commissioner Fuller said the NSW Police Force and the ADF had forged a close relationship throughout the pandemic.
"The assistance of the ADF has been essential over the past 18 months - particularly during last year's border operation, the ongoing hotel quarantine operation and the assistance provided with logistics support in the Police Operations Centre," Commissioner Fuller said.
"With an increase in enforcement activity over the coming week, I have now made a formal request to the Prime Minister for ADF personnel to assist with that operation.
"I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing support."
Police and Emergency Services minister David Elliott explained the request for assistance.
"There is a longstanding and highly-professional relationship between the NSW Police Force and the ADF," Mr Elliott said.
"As I have said previously, support from the army will add another line of defence to the NSW Government's crackdown on COVID-19 compliance.
"The army's unique skills and training have combined many times with those of our police officers to serve the people of NSW in times of crisis, such as the floods and severe bushfires we've experienced in recent years.
"This will be a functional, effective and dynamic team to fight this pandemic."
