Labor MP Josh Burns has recalled the fear that struck him the moment he learned of the Bondi terror attack and former attorney general Mark Dreyfus became visibly emotional during a condolence motion in federal parliament for victims of the shooting.
Standing orders were suspended in parliament on Monday as the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, moved the condolence motion in memory of the 15 people who were killed when two gunmen, allegedly inspired by Islamic State, targeted a Hanukah event on 14 december at Sydney’s Bondi beach.
Burns told the house his daughter had been about to go to a similar Hanukah in the park festival in Melbourne on the day of the shooting, and described the fear that rippled through the Jewish community as news of the violence spread.
“You think,what about my own family? What are they going to do? Are they going to be safe?” Burns said.
“we must not dehumanise each other, because dehumanisation leads to exactly what happened in Bondi. Not every act of hate ends in violence, but every act of violence begins with hate.”
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Dreyfus said the government’s response should not be confined to grief, but it ”must extend to what we choose to defend and how we defend it”.
Appearing to fight back tears, Dreyfus spoke of the loss felt by those whose loved ones had been killed.
“For every person murdered, there are families and friends left behind. A home left quieter, clothes still hanging in wardrobes, photos on walls that will never be updated, children asking when someone is coming home.
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The Australian Parliament will vote on proposed legislation addressing gun control and hate speech on tuesday,January 21,2026,following the fatal stabbing attack at bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre on Saturday,January 18,2026. The bills were separated due to important opposition to the hate speech provisions from across the political spectrum.
Gun Control Measures
The proposed gun control laws aim to tighten regulations in response to the Bondi attack, which was carried out with a stabbing weapon but prompted a review of existing security measures and potential vulnerabilities.While details of the specific gun control measures weren’t instantly available, the government indicated a desire to strengthen existing frameworks. Australia previously enacted significant gun control reforms following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which included a national firearms buyback scheme and stricter licensing requirements.
According to the australian Institute of Criminology, the 1996 gun law reforms led to a 57% decrease in firearm-related deaths in the decade following implementation. Australian Institute of Criminology – Gun Laws and Firearm Deaths
Hate Speech Legislation
The proposed hate speech laws have faced considerable resistance from both the left and the right of Australian politics. The legislation seeks to address racial vilification and incitement to violence, but concerns have been raised about potential impacts on free speech. The government argues the laws are necessary to protect vulnerable communities and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus stated on January 19, 2026, that the hate speech laws are designed to strike a balance between protecting free expression and preventing harm.The Guardian – Labor to push ahead with hate speech laws despite opposition
Government Response and Community Sentiment
Minister for Multiculturalism Andrew Giles emphasized the importance of a strong response to the attack, stating Australia has “a chance to respond more loudly than the evil of the terrorists.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity and safety for all residents, including migrants and members of the Muslim community. The attack prompted an outpouring of grief and solidarity across Australia,with vigils held in major cities.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Syrian migrant and Muslim bystander who attempted to intervene during the Bondi attack, has been widely praised for his bravery. His actions were highlighted by Burke as an example of the welcoming and inclusive society australia strives to be.
