Next week's security operations during the APEC leaders' summit in Sydney will involve 1,500 Australian Defence personnel.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the New South Wales Police have today signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the state police role as the primary security agency.
Brigadier Andrew Smith says the ADF will provide unique security services to help support the event.
"That includes Black Hawk helicopters, some FA18 hornet fighter aircraft divers on the harbour, some other Royal Australian Navy Ships, some specialist search teams from the Army Reserve and a special operations task group," he said.
"We have been working those capabilities up in cooperation with the NSW Police for about the last month and I must say, we are deeply appreciative of the support and the understanding of the people of Sydney as we've gone through that."
Gun applications
The federal Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, says several of the delegations attending the APEC summit have applied for certificates to carry guns in Australia.
Mr Ruddock says the Commonwealth is still considering the requests.
"There are requests from some delegations for arms to be held by security officials," he said.
"Those matters are worked thorough and they remain confidential but no decisions have been finally taken on those issues at this point in time."
Security drills
Meanwhile, last-minute security drills are continuing on Sydney Harbour in preparation for the September 2-9 summit.
The highlight of today's activities has been a familiarisation flight over the Harbour Bridge and Goat Island by an SA18 just after midday.
The fighter aircraft was travelling at 420 kilometres an hour about 1,000 metres above the ground.
Sydney Ferry staff have taking part in a bomb detection exercise on the Harbour, while building workers are continuing to construct a five-kilometre steel security fence in the CBD.
http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/08/29/2018656.htm
