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Bondi attack remembered as Dreyfus becomes emotional during parliamentary tributes
Summary
Federal parliament paused for a condolence motion after the Bondi attack that killed 15 people, and MPs spoke about unity and fighting antisemitism; parliament is scheduled to review draft hate speech and gun control laws on Tuesday.
Content
Parliament paused as MPs held a condolence motion for the 15 people killed in the Bondi attack and paid tribute to those affected. Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus became visibly emotional while describing the loss felt by families. Speakers across the house urged unity and condemned hatred, and the prime minister acknowledged families in the public gallery. Ministers and opposition leaders said the response should extend beyond grief to legal and social measures.
Key points:
- The condolence motion followed an attack on 14 December at a Hanukah event in Bondi that was reported as carried out by two gunmen allegedly inspired by Islamic State.
- Standing orders were suspended for tributes and several MPs spoke of personal fear, loss and the impact on the Jewish community.
- Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus described the quiet absence left in homes and families after the killings.
- Parliament is scheduled to review draft laws on hate speech and gun control on Tuesday.
Summary:
The motion condemned the attack, honoured first responders and affirmed the right of Jewish Australians to live in safety. MPs from across the political spectrum called for unity and for measures to address antisemitism and related harms, and the parliament will next review draft hate speech and gun control laws on Tuesday.
