Monday's nights response to terrorist attacks

At tomorrow night’s Council meeting I will be asking the Lord Mayor to urgently convene a high powered working party to pull together Council’s response to the increased threat of a terrorist attack following the London bombings. I understand that the Lord Mayor will distribute a Minute to address the issue of terrorism and Sydney’s sympathy and support for the people of London. However at this time no minute has been distributed or posted on the Council’s web site and therefore it is difficult for Councillors, the media and public to consider its content and scope.

I believe that the City of Sydney must unconditionally condemn the outrageous acts of terrorism perpetrated upon the innocent citizens of London and expresses its deepest sympathy to those affected by this evil outrage. Council must state that there can never be tolerance for Islamic extremism and join with the Australian community and Muslim leaders in rejecting all calls to violence as a means to resolving political or ideological conflict.

Council should acknowledge and support the United Kingdom's rapid response in seeking out those responsible and for remaining vigilant in the face of terror. In light of the latest attacks we will further acknowledge the efforts of the emergency services in London and stand in solidarity with the people of London and London's Lord Mayor in not giving in to these cowardly acts of terrorism.

In response to the heightened concerns of the citizens, workers and visitors to Sydney I will be asking the Lord Mayor to authorise the CEO to take any steps reasonably necessary to address our role in safety preparations in the City of Sydney and report any proposals back to Council in confidential session. I acknowledge that any measures to combat terrorist threat will remain primarily the responsibility of state and federal law enforcement and other agencies. However the clandestine nature of the threat to our community must involve the three levels of government in Australia as a whole of government prevention, detection and response plan.

To this end Council should specify that the following measures be urgently implemented and confidentially reported at Council’s next meeting:

1. 
   A working party of Directors, CEO and the Lord Mayor is established to meet with authorities and investigate a proactive role for Council in the domestic prevention of terrorism.
2. The existing COS CCTV systems be reviewed for any short comings including lack of coverage in key CBD areas (eg Martin Place)
3. That the costing and recommendations for expansion of the CCTV system, including any recommendation for addition CCTV staff resources and additional training, be reported.
   That current CCTV is reviewed for reliability guarantees (in light of reported faulty cameras in London).
4. Other staffing areas are investigated for additional training in identifying potential terrorist activity eg rangers and building inspectors.
5. Plans be established for COS response in the event of a terrorist attack.

In light of legitimate privacy concerns that I share, I will argue for Council to re-establish the CCTV oversight committee and protocols of the former City of Sydney.