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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Friday the largest gun buyback scheme since 1996 and declared a national day of reflection after investigators confirmed an ISIS-inspired terror attack at Bondi Beach killed 15 people during Chanukah celebrations.
Intelligence agencies identified a regular online ISIS video feed that reinforces the attack was ideologically motivated, Albanese said following the sixth National Security Committee meeting since Sunday’s assault. The final victim was identified Friday as Tania Tretiak, a Randwick resident attending the religious gathering.
“Australia’s gun laws were substantially reformed after the Port Arthur tragedy,” Albanese said. “The terrible events at Bondi show we need to get more guns off our streets.”
One of the attackers held a legal firearm license and owned six guns despite living in suburban Bonnyrigg in western Sydney, authorities confirmed. There are now more than 4 million firearms in Australia — exceeding the number present during the 1996 Port Arthur massacre that prompted sweeping gun reform.
The federal government will co-fund the buyback scheme on a 50-50 basis with state and territory governments to purchase surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms. Legislation supporting the initiative will be introduced in 2026, with Albanese citing constitutional and free speech considerations requiring careful review.
Sunday, December 21 has been designated a national day of reflection. Flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast, and Australians are invited to light candles at 6:47 p.m. — exactly one week after the attack — and observe a minute of silence.
NSW Police are questioning five men intercepted Thursday while traveling from Melbourne toward Bondi. Tactical operations responded to information that “a violent act was possibly being planned,” according to a police statement. No charges have been filed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Australia’s response, telling Sky News that terrorists “chose Bondi because there’s no protection there” and urged the government to “wake up.”
More than 40 people were injured in the attack. Investigations into motivation and potential additional connections remain ongoing.
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