Foreign Minister Penny Wong has faced fierce criticism from the political opposition for her perceived absence from public mourning following the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack. The incident, which left 15 people dead and 40 injured, has sparked a wave of grief and political recrimination.
Ley's Blistering Attack on Government Response
In a charged press conference on Monday, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley delivered a scathing assessment of the Foreign Minister's conduct. Ley accused Wong of effectively going into hiding in the aftermath of the anti-Semitic attack, failing to show solidarity with the bereaved community.
"I haven't seen Penny Wong on the streets of Bondi," Ley stated, striking the lectern for emphasis. "I haven't seen Penny Wong at the vigil for 15 innocent murdered Australians. I didn't see Penny Wong at Bondi last night on the eighth night of Hanukkah. I didn't see Penny Wong attend a single funeral. I haven't seen Penny Wong shed a single tear."
Ley broadened her critique to the wider Albanese government, suggesting its members were out of touch with the profound anguish gripping the nation. She argued that a more visible presence from ministers would have prevented what she termed "ridiculous remarks" from the government.
Wong Deflects Calls for Apology
The political firestorm intensified when Penny Wong was directly challenged during an interview on ABC Radio. Asked if the government's handling of the attack and the issue of anti-Semitism represented a "permanent stain" on its record, Wong pointed to the national trauma.
"What I'd say is we see there's great grief, there's pain, there's trauma and there's anger," Wong responded. "We've had 15 Australians killed in a horrific, evil anti-Semitic attack on Jewish Australians, and all Australians feel such sorrow — as do I."
When pressed by host Sabra Lane on whether it was time for the government to apologise, the Foreign Minister declined. "Look, I think all of us wish that we were not where we are," she said, reiterating her previous calls to "turn the temperature down."
Doubling Down and Inquiry Defence
Appearing on Sunrise on Tuesday morning, Sussan Ley refused to back down from her harsh comments, framing them as an expression of community anger. "It was me expressing my anger and disappointment on behalf of the community to the government," she asserted. "I will not tolerate the weak response I have seen."
Meanwhile, Penny Wong defended the government's decision to opt for an inquiry into intelligence agencies led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson, rather than a full royal commission. She stressed the need to ensure national security arrangements are fit for purpose and that lessons are learned from the tragedy.
The controversy follows tense scenes at a Bondi Beach vigil where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was heckled and booed, highlighting the raw public sentiment and the intense political pressure now facing the government.
