Australia parliament reopens with moment of silence for Bondi victims

Australia's parliament returned early with speeches and a moment of silence for those killed in last month's Bondi Beach shooting, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled MPs to begin debate on separate gun control and hate speech reforms.

Australia's parliament returned early on Monday with speeches and a moment of silence for the victims of last month's Bondi Beach shooting. Victims' families and first responders were present in the public gallery. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled parliament two weeks early to mark the victims and to start debate on proposed legal changes. He said gun law reforms would be moved into separate legislation and that racial vilification provisions would not proceed. Key points: - Officials reported 15 people were killed in a shooting at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, and police allege two attackers were inspired by Islamic State. - Parliament was recalled early and held a moment of silence while victims' families and first responders attended. - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged action on antisemitism and gun control and said gun reforms will be introduced separately from hate speech measures. - Albanese announced the government will not proceed with the proposed racial vilification provisions after opposition from other parties. Summary: The parliamentary recall served as a formal response and a moment of remembrance following the deadly Bondi Beach attack. Parliament will now begin debate on separate gun control legislation and on hate crime and migration measures, with racial vilification provisions dropped from the proposals.