Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined plans for a National Day of Mourning this Thursday, 22 January, following last month’s deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach that claimed 15 lives. The event, led by the Chabad community in Bondi, will carry the theme: “Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance.”
Albanese said flags at Commonwealth and state buildings would fly at half-mast, national institutions would be illuminated, and a commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light, will be held in Canberra and other cities. Australians are also encouraged to observe a minute’s silence at 7:01 pm AEDT, leave candles on windowsills, and perform acts of kindness, or mitzvahs, in memory of the victims.
The Prime Minister also provided an update on upcoming parliamentary business. A condolence motion will be debated on Monday, with legislation on gun control, hate crimes, and customs reforms to follow on Tuesday. He confirmed that the controversial racial vilification provisions will be removed from the legislation due to a lack of Senate support.
“The gun law reforms are critical and will be introduced separately to ensure passage,” Albanese said, noting that the Greens have committed to support the National Gun Buyback Scheme and other measures. The legislation also aims to strengthen background checks, restrict firearm importation to Australian citizens, and introduce criminal penalties for online bomb-making and weapons content.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher emphasised the need for parliamentary unity following the attack, highlighting the government’s consultations with crossbench senators to secure support for the proposed measures.
Albanese criticised the Coalition for their inconsistent position on the legislation, saying,
“The Opposition are so obsessed with opposing things, they’ve now begun to oppose themselves.”
He stressed the government’s focus on passing measures with parliamentary backing, avoiding further division, and maintaining national security.
Addressing the Jewish community, the Prime Minister reiterated, “We stand with you and have sought in good faith to implement the recommendations of Jillian Segal’s report,” acknowledging the Senate’s refusal to support some provisions.
Albanese concluded by calling for cooler, more constructive public debate around terrorism, hate speech, and gun reform, noting concerns raised by legal and security experts about heightened tensions following the attack. “We need to lower the temperature of debate across the country,” he said, citing guidance from ASIO.
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