At Bondi Beach this evening, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a mixed reception from attendees commemorating the one-week anniversary of Australia’s most devastating terror attack. Portions of the crowd expressed their dissatisfaction with boos.
Criticism has been directed at Albanese since the tragedy, with allegations that his administration has not sufficiently safeguarded the Jewish community. Additionally, some have pointed out his absence from several victims’ funerals and questioned the adequacy of the government’s overall response.
During the solemn event, Albanese, donning a kippah as a gesture of respect, personally encountered some of the backlash.
When David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, introduced the dignitaries present, a section of the thousands in attendance vocally disapproved of Albanese’s presence.
Ossip intervened to pacify the discontented voices.
In contrast, NSW Premier Chris Minns received a standing ovation. Ossip praised Minns for his consistent presence at every funeral held for the victims, highlighting his commitment during this challenging time.
There was also similar applause for NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, who Ossip said had gone to Bondi Beach on the night of the attacks to help victims.
“That is bravery, that is courage,” he said.
Ossip said more needed to be done, and there was loud cheering as he said “it cannot be disputed that we need a royal commission, which goes beyond NSW, to get to the bottom of how this catastrophe took place”.
“We feared and suspected that this moment was coming.”
The report will be led by former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson, and will examine multiple aspects of how Australia’s security agencies are equipped to respond to acts of terror.
Nationals leader David Littleproud today said there was “no reason why we shouldn’t have a federal royal commission” and claimed Albanese was afraid of the “truth” being revealed.
“There has been a litany of failures here for two and a half years. The warning signs were there from the 8th of October, 2023.
“We should look ourselves in the eye. We should look at the failings of decisions made at a political level, at intelligence levels.”
