Australia announces gun buyback, day of ‘reflection’ after Bondi shooting
Albanese urged Australians to light candles at 6.47pm on Sunday, December 21 – “exactly one week after the attack took place”.
“This day is about standing with the Jewish community, putting our arms around them and sharing the pain of all Australians,” Albanese told reporters. he said.
“It is a moment to pause, reflect and acknowledge that hate and violence will never define who we are as Australians.”
Albanese said Australia also planned to hold a separate “national day of mourning” at some point in the new year.
“This will provide families with time and space to rest their loved ones and support those still recovering.”
Albanese also announced a nationwide gun buyback plan to address the “purchase of surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms.” He said it would be the biggest gun buyback effort since 1996, when Australia cracked down on firearms following a shooting rampage in Port Arthur that killed 35 people.
“Australia’s gun laws have been massively reformed since the Port Arthur tragedy,” Albanese said.
“The horrific events in Bondi show we need to remove more guns from our streets.”
Sajid Akram and his son Naveed are accused of killing 15 people in an anti-Semitic attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening; This is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since Port Arthur.
