Australias prime minister, Anthony Albanese, stood in Canberra today to offer a heartfelt apology to Jewish Australians following last weeks tragic shooting at Bondi Beach.
On December 14, an event celebrating Hanukkah 🕎 turned into a nightmare when a gunman opened fire, leaving 15 people dead and many more injured. The attack shook the nation and sparked urgent calls for action.
“Im sorry for what the Jewish community and our nation as a whole have experienced,” Albanese said at the press conference. He added that his government feels the “weight of responsibility” to protect Jewish Australians and to stand united against terror that aims to divide society.
In response, the cabinet met for the second time since the attack and agreed on a legislative package to combat hate speech. The new laws, set to be introduced in 2026, will:
- Increase criminal penalties for hate speech
- Factor hate motivation into sentencing
- Allow the home affairs minister to cancel visas of those promoting violent hate
- Create an aggravated offense for adults who radicalize children
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland warned of an “unprecedented radicalization of our youth.” She revealed that 10 of the 120 people convicted of terrorism offenses since 2001 were minors, and currently 17 of the 33 individuals facing terrorism charges are under 18.
“We will not allow extremists to groom and brainwash our children into hate or terrorism,” Rowland said. 🤝
Albanese emphasized that the government will work “every day” and consult across federal parliament to push these laws forward with urgency and unity. For many Australians, this marks a first step toward healing and hope after a devastating week.
Reference(s):
Australian PM apologizes to Jewish community over Bondi Beach shooting
cgtn.com
