Queensland Police Use Bondi Junction Stabbings Scenario for Counterterrorism Training
Training operations conducted in shopping centres and Lang Park stadium to prepare for terror threats in crowded venues
Quick Look
Queensland Police utilized a scenario based on the 2024 Bondi Junction shopping centre stabbings for counterterrorism training in various venues, emphasizing preparedness despite the current 'probable' terror threat level, with ASIO suggesting a potential overhaul of the threat system.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The training follows recent terror incidents in Australia, highlighting the need for proactive counterterrorism measures.
Queensland Police have conducted counterterrorism training using a scenario based on the 2024 Bondi Junction shopping centre stabbings. The training, part of Operation Banshee, was held in various shopping centres and at Lang Park stadium in Brisbane.
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon emphasized the importance of realistic training, citing the Bondi Junction incident and the 2025 Bondi Beach shootings as reasons for preparedness. Despite Australia’s current 'probable' terror threat level, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess suggested the system might be overhauled, indicating the threat could be higher than 'probable' suggests.
Training included simulated crowd control and hostage situations. Stadiums Queensland CEO Todd Harris noted the exercises helped staff and emergency services practice responding to large-scale incidents. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stressed the importance of making venues safer for the public.
The public is advised to 'escape, hide, and tell' in the event of an incident. Officers were trained in high-pressure scenarios to respond decisively.
The story highlights cooperative efforts among authorities to enhance counterterrorism preparedness in Australia.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Enhanced counterterrorism training will become a standard practice across Australian states.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific changes to the terror threat system are being considered?