Eight days later, Albo says sorry: PM apologises to the Jewish neighborhood over ISIS Bondi bloodbath on his watch
- Said he feels ‘responsibility’ for the atrocity
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised to Australia’s Jewish community, eight days after ISIS-inspired terrorists unleashed horror at Bondi Beach, allegedly killing 15 people and injuring 40 more.
Albanese was booed as he attended a vigil for the victims on Sunday night.
Albanese acknowledged the raw emotions in the crowd and the anger directed at him.
‘I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I’m Prime Minister,’ he said.
‘And I’m sorry for what the Jewish community and our nation as a whole has experienced.’
Albanese unveiled a suite of draft measures to respond to the attack, as part of a drive to crack down on antisemitism.
One proposal would create an aggravated offence for hate preaching that advocates violence against protected groups.
Ministers are also considering increasing penalties for existing hate speech offences, particularly when violence or property destruction is encouraged.
Anthony Albanese (pictured) has apologised to the Jewish community after the Bondi attack
Albanese also acknowledged booing against him at the vigil on Sunday night at Bondi Beach
Another measure would make hate motivation a factor in sentencing for Commonwealth crimes.
The government has also proposed new powers to list prohibited hate organisations, making it a criminal offence to join, recruit or support any group named by the Home Affairs Minister and Attorney-General.
Draft options for fresh racial vilification or racial supremacy offences are under consideration.
Visa cancellation powers could be strengthened, allowing the Home Affairs Minister to revoke visas from individuals suspected of promoting hate speech, displaying hate symbols, or associating with terrorist or banned hate groups.
Albanese resisted mounting pressure to establish a federal Royal Commission, despite strong demands from the Opposition and community leaders.
‘We want urgency. And unity, not division and delay,’ Albanese said, when asked why he did not support a Royal Commission into the Bondi Terror attack.
More to come
