Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has issued a public apology following criticism of her response to the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack, which claimed 15 Australian lives.
Minister's Apology and Acknowledgment of Failure
Speaking to The Advertiser on Friday, Senator Wong expressed profound grief over the massacre, describing it as "the worst terrorist attack in Australian history." She directly addressed the Jewish community, stating, "I'm desperately sorry for what has occurred in our country and what the Jewish community have experienced."
Wong conceded that her government could have taken more decisive action to curb anti-Semitism and hate speech before the tragedy unfolded. "Always in politics and in life you always regret what more could have been done," she admitted, while emphasising ongoing reform efforts.
Details of the Bondi Beach Attack
The attack occurred on December 14 during the first day of Hanukkah celebrations. Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father Sajid allegedly opened fire on the crowd using military-grade weapons.
In a horrific nine-minute assault, 16 people, including gunman Sajid, were killed, and 42 others were injured. Authorities have declared it a terror attack, citing the discovery of two IS flags at the scene. A propaganda video was later recovered from a property rented by the alleged perpetrators.
Political Fallout and Policy Response
Wong's apology follows sharp criticism from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who noted the Minister's absence from victim memorials and claimed not to have seen her "shed a single tear." Wong defended herself, explaining she had been working with foreign counterparts and grieving privately.
The discussion has accelerated policy changes. Wong highlighted two key areas: tighter gun control and more robust laws against hate speech. She specifically condemned chants like 'Globalise the Intifada' and 'From the River to the Sea,' stating they fuel anti-Semitism in Australia.
While Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has introduced tougher hate speech laws, the government has stopped short of a federal ban on such chants. Wong also sidestepped calls for a federal royal commission, pointing instead to the ongoing criminal investigation and intelligence review.
