Albanese Calls Bondi Attack "Evil Anti-Semitism," Vows to "Eradicate" Terrorism After Emergency Security Meeting
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared Sunday’s Bondi Beach massacre “an act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation,” speaking immediately after convening an emergency National Security Committee meeting in response to the attack that killed at least 12 people.
Albanese addressed the nation Sunday night flanked by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess and AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan, taking the unusual step of publicly confirming the National Security Committee had been convened “as a matter of urgency.”
“We don’t normally talk at confirmed meetings of the National Security Committee, but I think at this moment it is appropriate to tell Australians,” Albanese said.
The Prime Minister framed the attack in the starkest terms of his tenure.
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese said. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear, we will eradicate it.”
Direct Address to Jewish Australians
Albanese delivered an extended message directly to Australia’s Jewish community, affirming their place in the nation.
“As Prime Minister, I say on behalf of all Australians to the Jewish community, we stand with you. We embrace you,” he said.
“You have the right to worship and study and live and work in peace and safety. And you enrich us as a nation.”
He acknowledged the fear the attack had caused: “You should never have to endure the loss that you have suffered today. You should never know the fear that you know tonight.”
Albanese pledged to “dedicate every resource required to making sure you are safe and protected.”
“Heroes” Who Ran Toward Danger
The Prime Minister praised both first responders and civilians who intervened during the attack.
“Many of whom are alive right now because of the courage and quick action of the New South Wales Police and the first responders who rushed to their aid,” Albanese said.
He singled out bystanders who confronted the attackers: “We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others. These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives.”
Call for National Unity
Albanese closed his prepared remarks with an appeal to national character.
“My fellow Australians, I say tonight that there are nights that tear at our nation’s soul. In this moment of darkness, we must be each other’s light,” he said.
“Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people today. Australia is braver than those who seek to make us afraid. Australia will never submit to division, violence or hatred.
“We will see justice done and we will come through this together.”
Pressed on Government’s Response to Antisemitism
During questions, journalists challenged Albanese on whether his government had adequately addressed rising antisemitism since October 7, 2023.
One reporter listed criticisms: “Your government has come under criticism in claiming that it has effectively responded to the rise of antisemitism in Australia since October 7, 2023. In September, your government recognised a Palestinian state. Your ministers have attacked the Israeli government. Senior ministers refused to visit the sites of the October 7 massacres. And you created a special Islamophobia envoy alongside an antisemitism envoy. Have you taken the threat of antisemitism seriously and can you guarantee the safety of Jewish Australians?”
Albanese defended his government’s record.
“We’ve taken it seriously and we’ve continued to act. We’ve continued to work with Jewish community leaders. We’ve continued to take all the advice from the security agencies to put in place special measures and we’ll continue to do so,” he said.
Asked about implementing recommendations from the Special Envoy’s report on antisemitism, Albanese said the government was “continuing to work on all of those issues,” including additional funding requests for security.
Message to Jewish Community Leaders
Albanese revealed he had spoken with multiple people following the attack, including Jewish community leaders.
“One of the Jewish community leaders said to me that we know where antisemitism leads, that it leads to an attack on everyone, not just Jewish Australians,” he said.
He described Bondi Beach as “a place of celebration, a place where people, particularly in Sydney, but from all over the world, come to enjoy each other’s company.”
Security Agency Updates
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed one of the attackers was known to authorities “but not in an immediate threat perspective.”
“We have no indications” of a follow-up attack, Burgess said, adding that the national terrorism threat level remains at “probable”—a 50 percent chance of an attack.
“One incident by itself does not necessarily raise the threat level at the national level, but we keep that under constant review,” Burgess said.
AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Nigel Ryan said the joint counter-terrorism team would deploy “all our specialist powers, all our specialist resources” to investigate.
What Happens Next
The investigation will be led jointly by NSW Police Counter-Terrorism Command, the AFP, and ASIO. Albanese said agencies would “provide factual updates as quickly as possible.”
The government is reviewing recommendations from the Special Envoy’s report on antisemitism and considering additional security funding.
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