The Australian federal parliament paused its usual business on Monday for a solemn and emotional condolence motion, honouring the 15 victims killed in the Bondi terror attack last December.
A Parliament United in Grief
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese moved the motion, condemning the atrocity and affirming the right of Jewish Australians to live in peace. The attack occurred on 14 December when two gunmen, allegedly inspired by Islamic State, targeted a Hanukah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach.
Labor MP Josh Burns recounted the moment fear gripped him upon hearing the news, revealing his own daughter had been planning to attend a similar festival in Melbourne that day. "You think, what about my own family? Are they going to be safe?" he told the chamber.
Empty Seats and Unanswered Questions
The most poignant moment came from Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, who became visibly emotional while speaking. He painted a heartbreaking picture of the loss endured by the victims' families.
"A home left quieter, clothes still hanging in wardrobes, photos on walls that will never be updated," Dreyfus said, fighting back tears. "A seat left empty at the table, a laugh no longer heard... The pain of that absence does not pass quickly."
He argued the government's response must extend beyond grief to actively defend shared values. The motion formally honoured the courage of first responders and acknowledged the trauma inflicted on the Jewish community.
Legislative Response and Calls for Unity
In response to the attack, the government is preparing to introduce new legislation. Parliament will on Tuesday consider draft laws on hate speech and gun control, though the proposals have faced opposition and have been split into separate bills.
Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke stated he wished the government was "going harder" on hate speech, emphasising that Australia's voice must be louder than the terrorists' evil. He highlighted the actions of Syrian migrant Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim bystander who disarmed one of the gunmen, as an example of shared humanity.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said antisemitism had "festered in plain sight" since the 7 October Hamas attacks and must be confronted. Independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, whose electorate includes Bondi, called for a national focus on unity, urging that kindness must become louder than hate.
Prime Minister Albanese concluded by announcing he had asked the Governor-General to create a new Australian honour to recognise acts of bravery from the attack, ensuring the nation walks alongside the victims' families on their long road to healing.
