This week in Australian foreign affairs: Parliament passes Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism legislation; Prime Minister delivers condolence motion for Bondi terrorist attack victims; Nation observes National Day of Mourning with minute’s silence and memorial events across Australia.
On 19 January, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered a condolence motion in Parliament to honour the 15 victims of the Bondi antisemitic terrorist attack on 14 December 2025. The Prime Minister named each victim: Matilda, Edith Brutman, Dan Elkayam, Boris and Sofia Gurman, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Peter Meagher, Reuven Morrison, Marika Pogany, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Tania Tretiak, and Tibor Weitzen. Parliament observed a minute of silence before the Prime Minister addressed the nation, welcoming family members, friends and spiritual leaders joining the chamber. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that Jewish Australians were the target of the attack, stating “all Australians stand with you.” He recounted the extraordinary acts of bravery by police officers, first responders, lifeguards, café staff and passers-by who risked their lives to save others, including Yanky Super, Gefen Bitton, Ahmed Al Ahmed, Constable Scott Dyson and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert. The Prime Minister announced he has asked the Governor-General to create a Special Honours List so all Australians can nominate these heroes of Bondi for formal recognition. He gave a solemn promise on behalf of every Australian: “We will not meet your suffering with silence. We will not leave you in darkness. We will continue to do everything required to ensure your security, uphold your safety and protect and honour your place here with us, as Australians.” The Prime Minister invoked the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, “the responsibility to repair the world,” emphasizing that small acts of kindness and care – mitzvahs – add up to a better world.
On 21 January, Foreign Minister Penny Wong appeared on ABC AM following the Senate’s passage of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism bills. Minister Wong stated that “the Bondi attackers had hatred in their minds and guns in their hands, and the laws passed last night tackled both of those.” She noted that while the Government had to make changes to secure Coalition support, including removing some of the strongest provisions called for by Special Envoy against Antisemitism Jillian Segal, “these are the strongest hate laws the country has ever passed.” The legislation gives the Minister for Home Affairs the power to suspend and cancel visas for people who have come to Australia to spread hate, and provides ministers the power to proscribe hate groups based on advice from the Director-General of ASIO and after consultation with the Attorney-General. Minister Wong emphasized that the legislation is designed to crack down on organisations seeking to incite hate crimes and criminal behaviour motivated by hatred, not to prevent differences of views and freedom of speech. She noted that “with the rise of antisemitism and in the wake of the worst terrorist attack that this country has seen on Australian soil, we really do need to continue to strengthen our response to hate and those who seek to spread hate in our society.” Minister Wong also addressed Australia’s consideration of the United States’ invitation to join the Board of Peace, stating that Australia is engaging with the US to understand more fully their intention and operation, as well as engaging with other partners.
On 22 January, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the National Day of Mourning to honour victims of the Bondi antisemitic terrorist attack. The Prime Minister described Bondi Beach as “part of our promise to the world” and “a welcoming embrace, a famous crescent of sand and water where there’s room for everyone.” He emphasized that the attack was “not just on Jewish Australians, but on the Australian way of life.” The National Day of Mourning featured flags flown at half-mast on Commonwealth and State buildings, buildings and landmarks lit up across the country, and a national commemorative installation titled “15 Pillars of Light” illuminated from sundown at locations including the MCG in Melbourne, Story Bridge in Brisbane, Adelaide Town Hall, Optus Stadium in Perth, the Captain Cook Memorial Jet in Canberra, Bondi Pavilion, Byron Bay Lighthouse, Parliament House in Darwin, South Bank Cultural Forecourt in Brisbane, Surfers Paradise Esplanade, Adelaide Holocaust Museum, Tasman Bridge in Hobart, Launceston town hall, Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, Perth Parliament House, and Albany town hall in Western Australia. At 7:01 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time, the nation observed a minute’s silence. The Prime Minister invited Australians to light candles on windowsills or doorsteps as symbols of remembrance, mourning and solidarity, and encouraged participation in mitzvahs – acts of kindness in response to trauma. Prime Minister Albanese stated that “we live in very difficult times” but emphasized his hope that “this nation [can] be a light for the world,” noting that “during what was a very difficult time, we have seen the very best of the Australian character.”
Emily Mosley is the Projects and Publications Manager for the AIIA National Office.
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