Matt Keogh (Burt, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to share my profound sorrow at the tragic loss of life and injury that occurred at Bondi on 14 December 2025. No words can express the helplessness and loss that so many Australians feel at this senseless act of evil. On behalf of the community of Burt, I extend my heartfelt condolences to every family who has lost loved ones and to every survivor now facing the long path to recovery. We stand with you.

Our community of Burt is one of the most diverse in Western Australia, and we are strong and vibrant because we are diverse. I don't want to see anything putting that at risk. We must remain ever vigilant. In the salient words of Pastor Martin Neimoller:

First they came for …

And I did not speak out

…   …   …

Then they came for me

And there was no one left

To speak out for me

An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on Australians enjoying an Australian beach and celebrating their traditions, and, as such, is an attack on all Australians. It is therefore up to all of us to unite. In order to heal, we must stand together. There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation.

I want to acknowledge the bravery of bystanders and first responders who ran towards danger, on that terrible day, to save lives, demonstrating the very best of the Australian character—not least of which was the North Bondi RSL, which became an immediate refuge for hundreds, including injured survivors and children. Inside the RSL, veterans with combat experience provided first aid, treated gunshot victims and supported traumatised families before emergency services could reach the scene. In the days following, the North Bondi RSL again opened its doors, this time as a dedicated community support hub, to provide recovery services and health and mental health support. To echo the words of North Bondi RSL chair Josh Farquhar, they haven't divided us; they've brought our community closer together. Thank you all for your continued service to our nation.

Reverend Andrew Nixon, the Department of Veterans' Affairs lead chaplain, was also on the ground and volunteered his time to support victims and first responders to deal with the tragedy as it unfolded and in the days that followed. I want to thank him for providing a calm, understanding ear and emotional and spiritual support for people dealing with the most horrific day of their lives. This is yet another example of Australian values and mateship shining through, on a day of unspeakable horror.

I want to take this opportunity to also acknowledge the great contribution of our Australian Jewish community. They've played an important role in shaping the wonderful multicultural nation we live in today. Australia's Jewish community has enriched our nation for generations, through family and faith, enterprise and culture, civic leadership and public service, but not just that. They have also defended us, with many Jewish Australians putting their lives on the line to fight for our way of life, serving in our Australian Defence Force for more than a century.

In this place, our greatest priority is to protect the Australian people from harm, and we are taking action. I want to acknowledge, as well, the Prime Minister's decision to stand up a royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. Learning from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide—which was a gruelling process that reopened old wounds, and many tears were shed—this royal commission will ensure that we provide a safe and secure future for Australians of all walks of life.

It is therefore with profound heaviness of heart that I commend this condolence motion to the House. As the Prime Minister has said, light will prevail over darkness.

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