One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts has faced renewed criticism after refusing to rule out that the Bondi beach terror attack was a 'false flag'. In a YouTube interview, Roberts said he did not have the facts to dismiss the conspiracy theory, despite later calling it an 'absurd proposition'.
The December 14 shooting at a Chanukah festival left 15 people dead. Police treated it as an act of terrorism allegedly inspired by Islamic State. The federal government has since convened a royal commission into the attack and broader antisemitism.
In the interview, when asked directly if he thought the attack was a false flag, Roberts replied: 'I haven't got the evidence. I doubt whether it was a false flag.' He added: 'I'm not ruling it out. You notice that?'
At a press conference on Wednesday, Roberts clarified his remarks, saying: 'First of all, it's an absurd proposition.' He insisted he makes decisions based on data and was being 'gentle' with the young interviewer. Senator Pauline Hanson defended him, claiming his comments were taken out of context.
Allegra Spender, the MP for Wentworth which includes Bondi, called Roberts' comments 'absolutely appalling', noting she had attended funerals of victims. Roberts blamed the media for public mistrust, saying: 'People don't trust the media. They don't trust you.'
