Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

() (): The incorporated speech read as follows—

It is with a heavy heart that I honour the memory of those whose lives were tragically taken in the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi last month. This was an act of unimaginable hatred—one that struck at the heart of our values as Australians and as human beings.

We mourn deeply for the 15 innocent lives lost, for the families and friends whose worlds have been shattered, and for all those whose lives will never be the same. To those families, we say: your pain is shared by an entire nation. We grieve with you, we stand beside you, and we will continue to hold your loved ones in our hearts.

To the survivors who carry both visible and invisible scars: we commend your courage and resilience. Your determination to move forward, despite all you have endured, inspires us all.

We also stand with the Jewish community, who were the direct target of this appalling act of hate. You are not alone. We condemn antisemitism in all its forms, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every member of our community can live safely, freely, and without fear.

I wish to pay special tribute to our first responders—the police officers, paramedics, emergency personnel, surf lifesaving volunteers and community members—who attended the scene with courage and compassion, racing towards unimaginable danger to protect others. Several police officers were injured in the line of duty, and we acknowledge their immense bravery and selfless service. Their actions embody the very best of who we are as Australians. In the face of hate, they responded with humanity. In the face of fear, they showed courage. And in the face of tragedy, they gave us hope.

Let this parliament, and our nation, honour all those affected by this senseless act by rejecting hatred in every form. We must speak out against prejudice, build bridges between our communities, and protect the spirit of inclusion that defines our country.

The powerful theme the Chabad community in Bondi have chosen for us all is: 'Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance.' May we remember those we lost not only in sorrow but in light and strength, and may their memory inspire us to create a safer, more compassionate and more united Australia.

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