Eight days later, Albo says sorry: PM apologises to the Jewish community over ISIS Bondi massacre on his watch
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised to Australia’s Jewish community, eight days after ISIS-inspired terrorists unleashed horror at Bondi Beach, allegedly killing 15 people and injuring 40 more.
Albanese was twice booed as he attended a vigil for the victims held at Bondi on Sunday night – while Labor colleague NSW Premier Chris Minns got a standing ovation.
During a press conference in Canberra on Monday, Albanese for the first time acknowledged the raw emotions in the crowd and the anger directed at him over his government’s perceived failure to act on antisemitism before Sunday’s bloodshed.
‘I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I’m Prime Minister,’ he said.
‘And I’m sorry for what the Jewish community and our nation as a whole has experienced.’
Albanese unveiled his Cabinet’s suite of draft measures to respond to the attack – including changes to visa rules and hate preaching – as part of a drive to crack down on antisemitism.
But he resisted a push by the Opposition to push ahead with a federal royal commission into what led to the worst terrorist attack in Australian history.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) has apologised to the Jewish community after the Bondi attack
Albanese also acknowledged booing against him at the vigil on Sunday night at Bondi Beach
When asked why he did not support a royal commission at a federal level, Albanese suggested it would take too long: ‘We want urgency. And unity, not division and delay,’ he said.
The NSW state government has floated running a royal commission that federal government agencies – such as ASIO and the Federal Police – would participate in, rather than an inquiry operating at a national level.
Powers under consideration by the government including created an aggravated offence for hate preaching that advocates violence against protected groups and increasing penalties for existing hate speech offences – particularly those that advocate violence or property destruction.
Another measure would make hateful motivations a factor in sentencing for Commonwealth crimes.
The government has also proposed new powers to list prohibited hate organisations, making it a criminal offence to join, recruit or support any group named by the Home Affairs Minister and Attorney-General.
Draft options for fresh racial vilification or racial supremacy offences are under consideration.
Visa cancellation powers could be strengthened, allowing the Home Affairs Minister to revoke visas from individuals suspected of promoting hate speech, displaying hate symbols, or associating with terrorist or banned hate groups.
Responding to a question about recalling Parliament early, Albanese did not directly answer, saying that drafting laws would take time and consultation.
More to come
