Australia news live: NSW upper house passes gun and protest law; database to log all hate crime charges | Australia news
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Krishani Dhanji
Opposition leader says Christmas marks a moment of “deep sadness and reflection” Susan LeyWhile the Jewish and Australian communities mourn the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack.
Moments like these test us, the opposition leader says in his Christmas message to the nation.
“They ask who we are as a people and what we choose to represent. Hate and extremism have no place in Australia. Antisemitism has no place in Australia. Our strength as a nation lies in our integrity, our courage and our willingness to stand together, especially when it is difficult.”
Ley says it’s already a difficult time for many families struggling with living expenses.
He also thanks nurses, doctors, paramedics, police, firefighters, Defense personnel, aged care and disabled workers who will be working during the holiday period.
The cost of living has put significant pressure on families and for some this Christmas will be harder than it should be. If you are finding this difficult, please know that you are not alone. Your community matters and you deserve leadership that listens and takes action…
This Christmas we remember those we have lost. We stand with those who are suffering. And as Australians, we hold fast to the values that bind us together.
Penry Buckley
Good morning
Good morning everyone, I am Penry Buckley and I’ll be here with you this morning for our live broadcast.
Albanese says Australia sympathizes with Bondi terror attack victims in Christmas message
Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the victims and heroes of the anti-Semitic attack in a holiday message to Australians, saying Christmas will “feel different this year” after the Bondi terror attack.
The Prime Minister said:
We feel the weight of pain in our hearts after the terror inflicted on Australian Jews celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi Beach. As Christmas brings its message of love and compassion, we grieve for those whose lives were stolen and whose lives were changed forever.
Together we express our gratitude for the extraordinary courage that shines so brightly in the darkness. A powerful reminder that in the worst of times we see the best of the Australian character. It is in this spirit that Christmas brings Australians together to celebrate all that we have and all that we share.
Albanese also said he paid tribute to “everyone who gives up their Christmas for the sake of others.”
We thank our emergency personnel, healthcare workers, hospitality and relief workers and many more. Likewise, volunteers who spend the season of giving by devoting their time and energy to serving those in need exemplify the Australian spirit of kindness, generosity and compassion.
We also thank our Defense Forces personnel who sacrificed the comforts of home and family to defend our nation. I wish every Australian a Christmas filled with peace, security and love. A Christmas where we stand together and unite. A Christmas of healing and hope.
12 victims of Bondi terror attack remain in hospital
As of 8pm last night, 12 victims of the mass shooting in Bondi remained in hospitals in Sydney.
Seven people are in a stable condition at Prince of Wales, St George, Crown Prince Alfred and Royal North Shore hospitals. Five are in a critical but stable condition and are being treated at St George and St Vincent hospitals.
This means that one patient’s condition had worsened as of yesterday morning’s update at 08:00; Only four people were listed in critical but stable condition, and eight people were listed in stable condition.
Database launched to keep track of everyone accused of hate crimes
Sarah Basford Channels
A national database of people accused of offenses under hate crimes legislation was launched in all Australian jurisdictions today following the Bondi attack.
The National Hate Crimes and Incidents Database will record hate crime offenses across the country that target race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality, ethnicity or political opinion.
The initiative was first adopted by a national cabinet in January 2025 and will be available on: Australian Institute of Criminology website. The federal government said this is an important step toward strengthening its ability to monitor, analyze and respond to hate crimes.
Celebrating its launch on Christmas Eve, the home affairs minister said: Tony Burkein question:
The horrific attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach must never be allowed to happen again.
No matter your origin, what you believe or who you love, every Australian has the right to be safe and feel safe.
I appeal to every Australian: If you witness or experience a hate crime, report it. Accurate reporting is essential to ensure that these crimes are investigated and recorded in the database and to enable evidence-based action.
NSW parliament passes new gun and protest laws
The New South Wales Minn. Labor government has made controversial changes to gun laws and given police new powers to ban street protests for up to three months after a lengthy debate in the upper house.
The draft law, prepared in response to the massacre that resulted in two gunmen opening fire and killing 15 people at a Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi beach on December 14, was voted on at 2.51am on Wednesday.
The omnibus bill was accepted with 18 votes in favor and 8 against. The Liberals joined members of the Labor government in voting for the bill, while the Nationals and Shooters voted against it. Greens members abstained.
Read our full story here:
Welcome
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I Martin Farrer with the best night stories and then it will be Penry Buckley with the main action.
After a marathon debate, the upper house of the New South Wales parliament voted at 2.51am to pass the controversial omnibus bill, which would introduce tougher laws that would limit gun ownership and curtail the right to protest after terrorist attacks. Reforms drafted in response to the Bondi terror attacks were passed by 18 votes to eight. More is coming.
A national database of people accused of offenses under hate crimes legislation was launched in all Australian jurisdictions today following the Bondi attack.
