In a scathing critique, former treasurer Josh Frydenberg has called out the Albanese Government, accusing it of failing to address the surge in antisemitism and urging immediate action in the wake of the tragic attack at Bondi Beach.

During a vigil at Bondi Pavilion, where he paid his respects to the victims by laying flowers, Frydenberg urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to assume ‘personal responsibility’ for what he termed a preventable disaster.

The incident involved Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, who allegedly opened fire from a footbridge at the iconic Sydney beach on Sunday night. The attack claimed the lives of 15 individuals gathered for a Hanukkah celebration.

Frydenberg criticized Albanese for what he sees as inaction following the October 7 Hamas attacks, accusing him of neglecting to address hate speech and extremist rhetoric. He highlighted concerning remarks made by Islamic leaders in Lakemba that appeared to support the violence.

“The Prime Minister needs to take personal responsibility for the deaths of 15 innocent people, including a 10-year-old child,” Frydenberg stated.

He further emphasized, “It’s time for our Prime Minister to own up to what has transpired here. Our leaders must rise to the occasion and lead decisively. This is a moment that demands accountability and action.”

Calling the Bondi massacre ‘the greatest stain on this nation’, Frydenberg warned: ‘Unless our governments, federal and state, take urgent, unprecedented and strong action, as night follows day we will be back grieving the loss of innocent life in another terrorist attack. This was all too predictable.’

Josh Frydenberg (pictured) slammed Anthony Albanese for not addressing rising antisemitism 

At a rally on October 8, just a day after the attack, Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun told the crowd the attacks on Israel were an act of resistance.

‘I’m smiling and I’m happy,’ he said.

‘I’m elated, it’s a day of courage, it’s a day of pride, it’s a day of victory. This is the day we’ve been waiting for.’ 

Frydenberg said such rhetoric, which he says was allowed to go unchecked, has fuelled radicalisation across Australia.

‘Australia has been radicalised in an unprecedented way in the last two-and-a-half years under your watch,’ he declared.

‘For two and a half years, what has the Muslim community been hearing? Is anyone surprised by what happened?’

He linked the attackers to extremist networks. 

Frydenberg referred to Naveed Akram’s volunteering with a street-preaching group in Sydney’s west that has reported ties to multiple Islamic State supporters, including self-proclaimed martyrs and aspiring fighters. 

Frydenberg said that Albanese (pictured) was ‘personally responsible’ for the Bondi deaths

‘The shooter was connected to a factory of hate in Bankstown. How can that place be allowed to operate for even one more day? I say no more. Enough is enough,’ Frydenburg declared.   

Authorities are now investigating why, in November, Akram and his father travelled to the Philippines, one of the few countries where Islamic State maintains an active presence.

Frydenberg also accused Albanese of offering excuses, not solutions. 

‘The Prime Minister can’t tell us how hard this is anymore, because no one believes him. We need action, not excuses. He must deliver change. He must deliver security. He must make Australia safer.’

He urged Albanese to take a moral stand. 

‘This is not complicated, Prime Minister. There is a clear line between good and evil. It’s time for you to stand firmly on the side of good.’

Frydenberg blasted media commentary downplaying religion’s involvement in the attack.

‘I heard an ABC journalist claim this attack had nothing to do with religion. That is propaganda, plain and simple. The people that say this has nothing to do with Islam… a security failure… or the government… they are propagandists.’

Josh Frydenberg called on the Albanese to create a Royal Commission into antisemitism 

He demanded sweeping reforms: ‘Call a royal commission, ban the preachers, ban the protests. Invest in education, enforce rigorous immigration checks, including for those already here, and deport those breaching our laws.’ 

Frydenberg also urged Albanese to act on Jillian Segal’s antisemitism report.

‘No ifs, no buts. You must act now.’ 

It is understood that Frydenberg is considering a political comeback in the wake of the attacks, and may stand as a candidate in his former Melbourne seat of Kooyong at the 2028 Federal election.