The iconic Sydney fireworks now hang in the balance as rail strikes spark safety concerns for the thousands of revellers using public transport on New Year’s Eve.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said she could not rule out cancelling the fireworks if 250,000 people who depend on public transport were unable to get home safely.
‘I have grave concerns,’ she told reporters in Sydney on Friday.
‘Each year, we police New Year’s Eve on the basis that 250,000 people can come into the city and then safely leave the city.
‘Leaving the city is based on access to transport, including trains.
‘And if trains aren’t available, and people can’t leave the city, I have very large concerns of the risk that will create to the public because families won’t be able to get home and they’ll be trapped in the city with no way out.
‘I haven’t ruled out that I will recommend to the government that we cancel the fireworks. It’s that serious.’
The major update comes after the Federal Court dismissed the NSW government’s technical argument trying to invalidate the industrial action on Thursday afternoon.
More to come.
The iconic Sydney fireworks now hang in the balance as rail strikes spark safety concerns for the thousands of revellers using public transport on New Year’s Eve (last year’s are pictured)
