AUSTRALIA will pursue wide-ranging reforms to combat hate speech and radicalisation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Thursday, in the wake of the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in almost three decades.
The shooting occurred on Sunday at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, where a father-and-son duo allegedly opened fire on hundreds of attendees, killing 15 people in an attack reportedly inspired by Islamic State.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the country and heightened concerns over rising antisemitism.
Reuters reported on Thursday Albanese outlining the government’s plans to introduce legislation that would make it easier to prosecute individuals promoting hate speech and violence, impose stiffer penalties, and establish a regulatory framework to hold organisations accountable when their leaders engage in such conduct.
“Australians are shocked and angry. I am angry. It is clear we need to do more to combat this evil scourge much more,” he said.
Police have alleged that the attack was carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed. Sajid was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed, after emerging from a coma, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism-related charges.
On Wednesday, the premier of New South Wales, where the attack took place, announced plans to recall the state parliament next week to push through urgent gun law reforms.
Funerals for the victims are ongoing. On Thursday, the family of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest of those killed, held her funeral. Her parents have previously criticised the government for failing to act on what they describe as a growing wave of antisemitism in Sydney.
“We have been saying for years ... they didn't do anything,” Matilda’s mother, Valentyna, told Australian media. Her funeral follows services held on Wednesday for Rabbis Eli Schlanger, 41, and Yaakov Levitan, 39.
Albanese’s government has consistently condemned antisemitism over the past two years. It has enacted legislation criminalising hate speech and, in August, expelled the Iranian ambassador, accusing Tehran of directing two antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.
In a separate incident, a 19-year-old Sydney man was charged on Thursday for allegedly threatening violence against a Jewish passenger on a flight from Bali to Sydney.
“Police will allege the man made antisemitic threats and hand gestures indicating violence towards the alleged victim, who the man knew to be affiliated with the Jewish community,” the Australian Federal Police stated.
The government has ruled out establishing a Royal Commission into the shootings for the time being, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers stating that such an inquiry would divert security agencies from focusing on the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are examining links between the gunmen and Islamic State networks in both Australia and the Philippines.
The Philippines National Security Council denied that Sajid and Naveed Akram received any military training while in the country in November.
“There is no valid report or confirmation that the two received any form of military training while in the country and no evidence supports such a claim at present,” said national security adviser Eduardo Ano. - December 18, 2025
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