Police to carry semi-automatic guns for Melbourne's Boxing Day Test

Some police patrolling the Boxing Day test between Australia and England will be carrying semi-automatic longarm rifles, Victoria Police has confirmed.

In a statement released today, they said "specialist" police would be given extra firepower for the test match, which begins on December 26 and could last until December 30.

Victoria Police insist the measure is precautionary and not in response to any new threat detected.

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"It's important to stress this is a proactive, precautionary measure based on the current threat environment," Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said.

"We know it's unusual to see police with these weapons outside the MCG but I want to assure everyone this is about greater safety and providing reassurance to the community."

It comes just a week after the Bondi terror attack, which left 15 people dead in Sydney, where police armed with only pistols were forced to confront gunmen with more powerful weapons.

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The measures have been supported by Cricket Australia and by the Melbourne Cricket Club.

It has been confirmed the semi-automatic rifles the officers will carry are already part of their regular tactical equipment.

There will also be extra patrols in and around the MCG, including at nearby train stations.

Around 75,000 people are expected to attend day one on Boxing Day, and officials believe around 373,000 people may attend over the five days of the test match.

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