Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Celebrations in Australia are unique. We love a good get-together. We love a barbie in the park, going to the beach with family and friends. On 14 December the Jewish people of Bondi and greater Sydney were embracing this Aussie custom and celebrating the start of their religious tradition, Hanukkah, in a park at Bondi, one of Australia's most iconic locations. Their reality and innocence were taken away that afternoon by two men who had hate in their hearts—not love, not light, but hate.

The week after this tragic day I attended the local Townsville Jewish community's Hanukkah celebrations, as I have for many years. These celebrations are usually held in the community, where members of the public are able to attend. This year, due to the 14 December Bondi terror attack, this celebration was moved to a private location, one away from the general public. This is not the Australia I know, love, represent and have fought for. As I stood with the community, I could see anger and pain in their eyes. Yet, as the menorah was lit that evening, it was clear that despite their grief there was steadfast belief that this was a moment to reaffirm that light will always triumph over darkness. I stand in this place today to mourn the 15 innocent lives so cruelly taken in the terrorist attack and to honour the families, friends and communities whose grief is beyond measure.

Yet even in the midst of this horror we witnessed acts of extraordinary bravery of ordinary Australians who, without hesitation, ran towards danger to shield others from harm. Among them was Ahmed al-Ahmed, who confronted and disarmed one of the attackers, despite suffering gunshot wounds, along with many other courageous bystanders and first responders who placed themselves in the line of fire to protect strangers.

As a father of two young girls, I would like to honour the life of 10-year-old Matilda, whose bright spirit was taken from us far too soon in the horrific act of terrorism. In speaking her name in this place, we acknowledge not only the depth of her family's grief but also the immeasurable light she brought to the world in her short life. Matilda was remembered by her loved ones as a joyous child, one who radiated warmth, kindness and boundless love. Her family shared how she spread happiness wherever she went, touching the lives of all who knew her. That such a gentle and loving child could be lost in an act of such senseless violence is a tragedy that weighs heavy on our nation. Yet in the midst of their heartbreak, Matilda's family has offered the community an extraordinary example of grace. Her aunty urged all of us not to allow anger to be the legacy of this terrible event. Instead she asks that we honour Matilda by choosing compassion, by spreading the same joy and love that Matilda so freely gave. She said:

Take your anger and … just spread happiness and love and memory for my lovely niece.

In the darkest hours, this family has called on us to meet tragedy with humanity. Their words remind us that even in grief there can be hope. They remind us that love can be an act of courage, and they remind us that the legacy of a child like Matilda—her laughter, her kindness, her boundless spirit—can and must continue through the way we choose to treat one another.

In the face of this horrific terrorist attack, I must also acknowledge and pay solemn tribute to the countless acts of courage shown by first responders and ordinary Australians who stepped forward in the most terrifying of circumstances. Police, paramedics, medical staff, community volunteers and bystanders alike ran towards danger to shield others, provide urgent care and restore order amid chaos, exemplifying what has been described as 'the best of humanity'. During one of our nation's darkest moments, their instinctive bravery—confronting armed attackers, protecting vulnerable families, guiding people to safety and administering life-saving first aid under fire—stands as a powerful testament to the courage and compassion embedded in the Australian spirit. These selfless actions, undertaken without hesitation, saved lives and brought hope when fear and violence sought to divide us.

In honouring their heroism, we must also turn our focus to the work that lies before us. We must stand united as a nation against hatred, against violence and against those who seek to tear at the fabric of our communities. In the face of such darkness, we reaffirm that the bonds that tie Australia together—our shared values, our commitment to one another and our belief in peaceful, inclusive society—are far stronger than any act of terror could be. Don't judge us by our words in here; judge us by our actions and what we do in the following days.

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