Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise today to mourn the innocent lives lost during the terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community at Bondi Beach on the Sunday 14 December 2025. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families, friends and loved ones of all victims.

I wish to convey thanks and gratitude for the bravery shown by those who risked their lives in aiding the victims—from the first responders, who displayed incredible courage, to the local community groups, members of surf lifesaving clubs and members of the public. I offer my thanks for the courage and selflessness of the Australians who, in a moment of incredible danger, did not hesitate to run to the aid of strangers.

I recognise the astonishing bravery of Ahmed al-Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen, as well as those who risked their lives to help others. Their actions saved lives and reminded us of the very best of the Australian character.

For Jewish Australians, 14 December is a day ordinarily marked by peace and a chance to reaffirm their faith's message of light over darkness. An act of violent Jewish hate has instead left a devastating mark on the fabric of our country. Fifteen innocent lives were cruelly stolen from us that terrible evening. We mourn the lives they lived, the love they gave and the good they shared with us and the world.

Australians will never forget those 15 victims from the deadliest terror attack on our soil, just as we must never forget in the days and weeks that followed the unity, love, courage and kindness the Australian people have shown in rising above those who seek to divide us. This was on full display at St Stephen's Cathedral in Brisbane on Tuesday 20 December, when hundreds of Queenslanders gathered for a mass of peace. There we united to pray for peace and unity, to wrap our arms around the Jewish community and to reject hatred and antisemitism in all forms.

I acknowledge the significant contributions the Jewish community makes in my home state of Queensland. In November, the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies and the community celebrated the 160th anniversary of Jewish life in Queensland. Since the establishment of Brisbane's first official congregation in 1865, Queensland's Jewish community has made lasting contributions in commerce, medicine, law, arts, education, philanthropy, sport and public service. Jewish Queenslanders have enriched our civic and social life and display an ongoing commitment to building a diverse, inclusive and vibrant state—as the Jewish community has right across the country.

I stand here today in solidarity with our Jewish community and commit to supporting them through the months and years ahead as we confront antisemitism across the country.

To the Jewish community today and always: you do not stand alone; we stand with you. You have every right to worship, work, study and live in peace and safety in our country. Our nation is stronger because of you, and it is this strength and unity that will guide us through these difficult times. May the memories of those who have been lost be a blessing, and may our commitment to unity, compassion and justice honour their lives always. As always, light will win.