The New South Wales police commissioner is calling in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to help assist with compliance as the COVID-stricken state battles through an extended lockdown.
New South Wales (NSW) has been in lockdown since June 26 as it grapples to control its escalating outbreak of COVID-19, prompting thousands of frustrated locals to take to the streets in protest last week - almost all of which weren't wearing face masks.
Commissioner Mick Fuller confirmed on Thursday that a formal request has been made to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for 300 personnel to help boost its operational footprint in Sydney.
Fuller says NSW Police are "significantly expanding" its enforcement in Sydney over the coming days.
"The assistance of the ADF has been essential over the past 18 months - particularly during last year's border operation, the ongoing hotel quarantine operation and the assistance provided with logistics support in the Police Operations Centre," he says.
"With an increase in enforcement activity over the coming week, I have now made a formal request to the Prime Minister for ADF personnel to assist with that operation.
"I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing support."
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott says he welcomes the request for assistance.
"There is a longstanding and highly-professional relationship between the NSW Police Force and the ADF," Elliott says.
He adds the support from the ADF will be "another line of defence" to NSW's crackdown COVID-19 compliance.
"The Army's unique skills and training have combined many times with those of our police officers to serve the people of NSW in times of crisis, such as the floods and severe bushfires we've experienced in recent years," Elliott says.
"This will be a functional, effective and dynamic team to fight this pandemic."
NSW recorded 239 new infections and two deaths on Thursday, which is by far the worst day in the state's outbreak.
It's lockdown, which has been in place for a month, has been extended until August 28, state Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed on Wednesday.
"In the last few days, it would have not been possible for us to get out of lockdown tomorrow or Friday and given also the advice, it would not have been realistic for the NSW government to make a decision in the next two weeks given where we are today," she said.
