Albanese Pledges Gun Law Review After Deadly Bondi Beach Shooting

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a comprehensive review of the nation’s gun laws following a tragic shooting at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration on December 10, 2023. The attack resulted in at least 15 fatalities, including a 10-year-old girl, and left dozens injured. Albanese condemned the incident as “an act of pure evil, an act of terror, an act of anti-Semitism,” and called it a dark day in Australia’s history.

During a press conference held on Monday, Albanese expressed his condolences and concern for the Jewish community, which was specifically targeted on the first day of Hanukkah. He urged Australians to show solidarity by lighting candles in their windows at 19:47 GMT to symbolize hope overcoming darkness. “We are stronger than the cowards who did this,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of tragedy.

The identities of the suspected attackers remain undisclosed, with authorities confirming that a 50-year-old man was killed in a shootout with police, while his 24-year-old son is recovering in a local hospital. Albanese’s government is under scrutiny for its handling of anti-Semitism and gun violence. Critics have raised concerns about whether sufficient measures have been taken to protect Jewish Australians.

One of the most vocal critics has been Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who directly blamed Albanese’s government for failing to safeguard the Jewish community. In his remarks, Netanyahu linked the shooting to Australia’s recent recognition of Palestinian statehood, asserting that “Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the anti-Semitic fire.” His comments have sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of exploiting the tragedy for political purposes.

Amidst the outcry, Ben Saul, a UN special rapporteur, condemned Netanyahu’s connection between the shooting and Australia’s stance on Palestine, stating, “I am disgusted that the Israeli PM links Australia’s principled support for a Palestinian State with yesterday’s terrorist attack in Bondi.” Albanese responded to the criticism by emphasizing the need for national unity during this difficult time.

In addition to addressing community safety, Albanese indicated that his government would increase funding for the National Council for Jewish Community Security. This support will extend to cover the costs of guard services for Jewish organizations and events. “We’re working with Jewish community organizations to see how we can best support charity efforts,” he said.

The call for a review of Australia’s gun laws comes as a response to questions regarding the six firearms recovered from the crime scene. Albanese announced that he would convene a meeting with state premiers to discuss potential reforms, including limits on the number of firearms individuals can possess. “Licences should not be in perpetuity,” he stated, highlighting the need for rigorous oversight given the changing circumstances of individuals.

Historically, Australia has implemented some of the world’s strictest gun legislation since the reforms introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, which claimed 35 lives. While these laws have been credited with reducing mass shootings, a recent report from the Australia Institute indicates that the enforcement of these regulations has weakened, leading to an increase in firearms in circulation.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns echoed Albanese’s commitment to reviewing gun laws in the state, promising that changes will be made to ensure lasting impact. “You can expect action soon,” Minns assured the public, reinforcing the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.

The Bondi Beach shooting adds to a troubling trend of mass shootings in Australia, following incidents such as the 2022 Wieambilla attack and the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings. As the nation grapples with the implications of this latest tragedy, the call for effective gun control measures and protection against rising anti-Semitism remains critical in fostering a safer environment for all Australians.