David Batt (Hinkler, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Sunday 14 December 2025 at Bondi started out as a typical Aussie summer's evening at the beach—an evening filled with fellowship, friends and community; a celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light, a festival of love—but it turned into a day which our nation will remember as one of darkness and death. On behalf of the people of Hinkler, I share our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the 15 innocent lives lost at Bondi, lives taken because of an unimaginable act of terror, an act of hate, an act of violence. My community of Hinkler stands together with our Australian Jewish community. The people of Hinkler grieve together with all of Australia. Let us, together, remove hate from our society. To the victims of this tragic and senseless terror attack at Bondi: together, we remember you. In the face of this, the worst terrorist attack in our history, we all must find a way to unite and stamp out antisemitism. We must crack down on radical Islamic extremism. To the families, friends and loved ones and the broader community: as you mourn, please know that, together, we are with you.

On 15 December, the day following the Bondi terror attack, I spoke with members of the Jewish community in Hinkler to let them know I was standing with them and so, too, was our Hinkler community. Our Jewish friends were left shattered, and now, understandably, still need our love and support. I am proud to represent the people of Hinkler and I'm grateful for this opportunity to stand in this parliament on their behalf and pay our respects.

I applaud the heroes who responded to the terror attack. As it unfolded, police officers, paramedics and surf lifesavers—some in uniform and others, off duty, in plain clothes—plus, of course, those everyday Australians, many of whom themselves were under fire, ran towards the danger and put their own lives on the line to save others. And save lives they did. The heroics resonated with my community of Hinkler, as they did across the nation and indeed the world. Yes, in Hinkler, we live 1,200 kilometres away, north of Bondi, but we felt close to this tragedy. Seeing the pictures on our TV screens and in our social media feeds, we watched our fellow Aussies being attacked and we watched in awe as Australians stood up and fought back. I also need to mention, and share gratitude for, the doctors and nurses and all the medical staff who assisted in the hospitals as the emergency unfolded.

So much hope came from this tragedy. Last week I visited the local Lifeblood in Bundaberg, where I regularly donate plasma. I was told by the staff that they've been busily accepting blood donations since the call went out soon after 14 December. This is what Aussies do: roll up their sleeves—literally—and do all that they can to help. There are also the quiet charity offerings and so much more.

We owe it to those who lost their lives, and those impacted by this attack, to ensure that there is a full and proper Commonwealth royal commission. This parliament and our great nation must commit to a thorough investigation without fear or favour, working with one another for a common goal, to do better, to do what is right and to always remember each of those 15 innocent lives taken away by the terrorists.

To the Jewish people of Australia: we must do everything we possibly can to ensure that you are safe and you are protected in this country and to shine a light on this dark episode, which will always be ingrained in Australia's history. Shalom.

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