Pat Conroy (Shortland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence Industry) Share this | Hansard source

I share the shock and devastation of all Australians following the horrendous terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025—an act of evil, blatant antisemitism; a terrorist attack that has struck at the heart of our nation; and an attack on our way of life. My thoughts, and the thoughts of the people of Shortland, are with the family and friends of the 15 people who tragically lost their lives—who were murdered.

The trauma and loss their families are dealing with is beyond anyone's worst nightmare. I think especially of the parents of 10-year-old Matilda, who are facing an unimaginable future without their daughter. My heart goes out to the people who were seriously injured, and may face lifelong impacts as a result, and to the broader Jewish community, who've faced a targeted antisemitic attack.

The first day of Hanukkah should've been a joyous celebration of faith, but it will be remembered as one of our darkest days. My community also grieves with the people of Bondi. Like us, the Bondi community loves the ocean and the sunshine, and they've suffered an enormous trauma at the heart of their beloved beach. In the month since the attack we've seen Australians across the nation embrace their fellow Australians, especially those of Jewish faith.

I know that people in Shortland have been deeply affected. In fact, my office has received thousands of emails and phone calls. Most of these people have been expressing horror and dismay that such a grotesque act of violence could take place in modern Australia. For example, Nicholas from Jewells wrote:

I am writing to you as a constituent who is both deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. This was not only an attack on our Jewish friends and neighbours but an attack on the Australian way of life itself, a way of life built on fairness, tolerance and a belief that everyone is a mate, regardless of their faith or where they come from.

Nicholas went on to write:

Australians pride themselves on living peacefully side by side without fear or suspicion. The horror at Bondi Beach has shaken that spirit. It has left many of us feeling that the easy-going decency that defines our country has been violated.

The Lake Macquarie and Central Coast communities have demonstrated their solidarity with Jewish Australians by coming together with love and unity. Just a few days after the attack, I attended a service at Newcastle Synagogue—as did you, Deputy Speaker Claydon—where people from across the Hunter stood side by side in the face of darkness. The synagogue was overflowing with people, who spilled out onto the street. The people on the street listened—in fact, they stood there silently for over an hour because they could not hear the service. They stood there to commemorate and to show solidarity. People wanted to demonstrate their sympathy for the Jewish community and stand against terror and hatred.

We must also remember that, against this vile and cowardly attack, we saw acts of bravery—the best of humanity. If it wasn't for the courage and quick actions of the New South Wales police, medical professionals, first responders, lifesavers and many individuals just there on the day, many more people would have died.

In particular, I'd like to mention Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim man who saved countless Jewish lives by disarming one of the attackers. I've had so many letters to my office praising him for his courage, including from Juan, a police officer of more than 28 years. He described Mr al-Ahmed's actions as courageous, selfless and inspiring—someone who acted to save life regardless of religious faith. Juan requested that Mr al-Ahmed be nominated for an award for his selfless bravery, and I thank the Prime Minister and the Governor-General for establishing special awards to recognise the bravery of those like Mr al-Ahmed. But there were many others like Mr al-Ahmed, many of them highlighted in today's debate—people who rushed towards danger, putting themselves in harm's way to save the lives of others. These people embody the best of what it is to be an Australian, showing the selfless courage that we have seen on battlefields but is rarely required of civilians.

From such a horrific and tragic incident, one message must remain clear: there is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation—no place for antisemitism—and we will continue to stamp it out in all its forms. If we stand together, light will triumph over darkness every time. As the Prime Minister said, Australia is stronger than the cowards who attacked innocent people that day. Australia is braver than those who seek to make us afraid. Australia will never submit to division, we will see justice done and we will come through this together.

We will never forget the people who died on 14 December, the love they gave and everything they brought to our nation. May their memory be a blessing.

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