An Australian woman has demanded a significant tightening of the nation's immigration laws in the aftermath of last Sunday's deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach, proposing that all new arrivals sign a formal 'code of conduct'.
Public Outcry After Bondi Tragedy
The call for stricter measures comes directly in response to the horrific incident on December 14, which resulted in 15 innocent people dead and more than 40 injured. The attacker, Sajid Akram, 50, was originally from Hyderabad, India, and moved to Australia in 1998. His alleged accomplice and son, Naveed Akram, 24, was born in Australia and had been the subject of an ASIO probe back in 2019.
In a video that has since garnered over 140,000 views, the woman named Chanel articulated her controversial proposal. "I strongly believe that when people immigrate into this country there should be rules that they have to sign, like a code of conduct of being an Australian," she stated.
Proposal for a Mandatory Pledge
Chanel's suggested code would compel newcomers to explicitly agree to respect and adopt the Australian way of life. "And when you sign it, you agree you will obey the Australian way of life. You will live like an Aussie, you will be an Aussie, you will love the country, you will appreciate the country, you will obey the rules," she elaborated.
While new Australian citizens already deliver a citizenship pledge at their ceremony, Chanel's call is for a more stringent and legally binding agreement. Her comments tap into a growing sentiment, with anti-immigration protesters preparing to rally in Sydney and Melbourne this Sunday.
Reflecting on a perceived change in national harmony, Chanel lamented, "Australia used to be a time a very peaceful country where it was peace and love... But now it's like kids can't go out because, you know, parents are scared. Apparently you can't even go to the beach now." She also referenced the 2014 Lindt Cafe siege as a prior example of shattered security.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
The proposal includes severe consequences for those who breach the proposed code. "If you break the law... if you break the rule, send them back," Chanel asserted. "And don't send them back on the Australian taxpayer's money. Build them a dingy boat, send them back in a tinnie for all we care."
She argued that individuals who fail to assimilate should be responsible for their own return, stating, "If you don't want to listen to the rules of the country, why should we sponsor you to go back to where you're from? Figure it out the same way you figured out how to not to live the Australian way."
The video attracted significant support online, with comments like, "If you ever ran for prime minister, you’re definitely getting my vote," and "Can’t assimilate to the Australian way then you don’t belong here."
Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. Police allege the attack, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration just before 7pm, was intended "to advance a religious cause and cause fear in the community." Early indications point to inspiration from the terrorist organisation ISIS.
Sajid Akram was fatally shot by police during the nine-minute attack. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett indicated that while no others are currently expected to be charged, investigations remain ongoing.
