Whose Shout?

We can expect a massive NSW Police presence in Sydney for the war crim’s visit, with over 3,000 extra police shifts scheduled. About 500 officers will focus on the large pro-Palestinian protest planned for Monday in the city centre.

Reichsmarschall Marles has said several times that Herzog will get the same security as other visiting foreign leaders. This includes personal protection, motorcades, venue security, advance teams, and coordination between the Australian Federal Police, state police, and likely Israeli security staff, which is standard diplomatic practice.

For context, when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited in 2017, police and security costs for Australian taxpayers were about $3.5 million. With current tensions and protest restrictions for 2026, Herzog’s visit is expected to cost at least as much, if not more.

I’m not sure whether Australian taxpayers are happy to buy this round.